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Politics
Maurizio Valsania, Professor of American History, Università di Torino

80 is different in 2023 than in 1776 – but even back then, a grizzled Franklin led alongside a young Hamilton

'Our machines have now been running for 70. or 80. years,' an old Thomas Jefferson, right, wrote to an even older John Adams, left. Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

President Joe Biden’s announcement that he’s running for another term raises concerns for many Americans. At his potential second inauguration, he would be 82, beating himself in becoming the oldest among American presidents.

Aging has changed dramatically over the centuries. Medicine and better lifestyles have significantly diminished the effects of time.

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