How Old Is Too Old

The Age Equation: Can Maryland Afford to Bet on Cognitive Resilience?

Jul 19, 2025

In politics, loyalty often feels like sports fandom. You root for your team, you rally behind your quarterback, and when they fumble, your heart breaks—but you still wear the jersey. That’s how many Democrats felt watching Joe Biden in 2020: proud, hopeful, and deeply invested. But by 2024, after a debate performance that left him vulnerable, even his most devoted fans knew the opposition would pounce. Not out of cruelty, but out of strategy.

Now, Maryland faces a similar emotional calculus. Ed Hale, the 78-year-old owner of the Baltimore Blast and former banker, has announced a Democratic primary challenge to Governor Wes Moore. Hale is sharp, accomplished, and deeply committed to the state. But the question isn’t whether he’s capable today—it’s whether he’ll remain capable through age 83, the end of a gubernatorial term.

This isn’t about ageism. It’s about cognitive resilience, executive function, and the biological realities of leadership.

🧠 What Science Says About Aging and Leadership

Research shows that while many older adults maintain strong cognitive abilities, the risk of decline accelerates after age 75. Processing speed, memory retrieval, and multitasking often begin to wane—even in healthy individuals. Executive function—planning, decision-making, emotional regulation—can be preserved, but it requires intentional lifestyle choices and, frankly, luck.

Some older leaders thrive. Others falter. And voters are left to guess which path a candidate will take

🏛️ The Stakes of Executive Office

Running a state isn’t like chairing a board or owning a soccer team. It demands:

- Rapid decision-making under pressure
- Multitasking across agencies and crises
- Emotional regulation in high-stakes negotiations
- Adaptability to shifting political landscapes

These aren’t just political skills—they’re neurological ones. And while Hale’s résumé is impressive, Marylanders must ask: Can we afford to gamble on cognitive resilience at 78?

🤝 A Kind Conversation Across the Aisle

This isn’t a partisan critique. Republicans have faced similar heartbreak watching Donald Trump’s public missteps. Democrats felt it watching Biden’s decline. These moments aren’t about ideology—they’re about human frailty, public accountability, and the burden of leadership.

> “We love our political elders like we love our grandfathers. But sometimes, it’s time to take away the car keys—not because we don’t love them, but because we do.”

🗳️ What Maryland Needs

Maryland is facing a $3 billion budget gap, rising juvenile crime, and business flight. The next governor must be agile, focused, and relentless. Hale’s business acumen and civic pride are admirable. But voters must weigh whether he can sustain the mental rigor required to lead through 2026 and beyond.

> “Maryland deserves leadership that’s not just visionary—but durable.”

📣 A Proposal for Transparency

Perhaps it’s time to normalize cognitive screening for executive candidates over 75—not as a barrier, but as a safeguard. Just as we expect financial disclosures and ethics statements, we could expect a basic cognitive health assessment. Not to shame, but to inform.

> “Cognitive resilience isn’t guaranteed. It’s earned, maintained, and sometimes lost—quietly, gradually, and without malice.”

💬 Final Thought

This isn’t about Ed Hale. It’s about all of us. About how we honor our elders, protect our institutions, and prepare for the future. Maryland deserves leadership that’s not just visionary—but durable.