## Elder Abuse in the Halls of Power: The Perils of Gerontocracy**Politics | December 27, 2024**The corridors of Washington, once a seat of leadership, now echo with a haunting realization: the halls of power have become a breeding ground for elder abuse and gerontocracy.**Kay Granger's Disappearance and Dementia Diagnosis**The case of Representative Kay Granger, a veteran Republican, epitomizes the dangers of unchecked gerontocracy. Granger, 81, abruptly withdrew from public life, disappearing from the Capitol despite not yet completing her term.An independent investigation revealed that Granger had been living in an assisted living facility and suffering from dementia, a condition that allegedly developed within months. However, evidence suggests her decline may have been evident much earlier.**Annie Kuster's Graceful Departure**In stark contrast to Granger's puzzling exit, Democratic Representative Annie Kuster left office with clarity and purpose. She cited the need to break the cycle of gerontocracy and empower younger voices.**A Systemic Problem**Granger's case and the growing concerns about other aging lawmakers, including President Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and Mitch McConnell, have exposed the systemic nature of gerontocracy. The rules of Congress reward seniority, providing incentives for voters to maintain the power of incumbents beyond their prime.**Enablers and Puppets**A cadre of staff members also facilitate gerontocracy. They can shield diminished leaders from scrutiny, acting as puppets who exercise power in their shadows. Many staffers have even benefited from the incapacitated state of their superiors, using it as an opportunity to advance their own agendas.**Elder Abuse in Disguise**While gerontocracy creates conditions for elder abuse, it also conceals it under the guise of respect for authority. Aging leaders are often revered for their experience, giving staffers and others an excuse to manipulate their decisions. Political self-interest further compounds the problem.**Trump as a Symptom**Donald Trump's authoritarian demagoguery is a symptom of the larger systemic breakdown that includes gerontocracy and elder abuse. His susceptibility to influence by advisers is a testament to his diminished capacity, while his elevation to the presidency is a stain on the nation's political system.**Needed: Younger Voices and Democratic Reform**The solution lies in embracing younger, more vibrant leadership and overhauling the systems that perpetuate gerontocracy. Term limits, campaign finance reform, and a shift in cultural norms are essential to break this cycle of elder abuse and restore the integrity of our government.**About the Author**Jeet Heer is a national affairs correspondent for The Nation and a steadfast advocate for exposing the dangers of gerontocracy and elder abuse in the halls of power.