The post-World War II generation has disproportionate representation over U.S. policymaking, including emerging technologies like AI and social media.
Nearly half of the U.S. Congress is composed of Baby Boomers, a generation that accounts for just 21% of the total American population, according to data provided by Quorum. This disproportionate representation becomes even more apparent in Indiana’s congressional delegation, which is younger than the national average but still 17 years older than the state’s overall population.
This generational imbalance holds significant implications, especially concerning influential policy decisions related to modern technologies like AI and social media. A closer look at Indiana’s delegation reveals that out of the 11 members, four are Baby Boomers or part of an older generation. Notable among them are Republican U.S. Senator Mike Braun, as well as Representatives Jim Baird, Greg Pence, and Larry Bucshon. On average, this delegation is 55 years old, with the youngest member, Representative Rudy Yakym, at 39 years old.
It’s worth noting that Indiana’s median age was 38 in 2021, as reported by the state. Looking at the broader landscape, the current congressional term boasts one of the highest average ages in U.S. history. This phenomenon has sparked discussions about fitness for public office, the concept of term limits, and age-related bias. The average age of members is 58, and a significant portion hails from the Baby Boomer generation.
One in five Americans belong to Generation Z, the House of Representatives’ minimum age requirement of 25 means that only the oldest members of this generation are eligible for Congress. Notably, Representative Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) stands out as the first elected member of Generation Z to join Congress.
The number of lawmakers in Congress over the age of 70 has rapidly grown over the past 20 years. It’s jumped from 8% in 2002 to 23% — nearly a quarter — in 2022. On average, 10% of Congress was under the age of 40 from 1950 to 1990. The percentage of Congress under the age of 40 grew as high as 17% in the early 1980s.
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