Is age a political issue? U.S. Senators who are 70 or older

Date of birth: September 11, 1924
Took office: May 16, 1990
Age at taking office: 65 years
Current age: 88 years

According to his biography, Akaka served as a civilian worker in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1943 to 1945 and then in active duty in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947. Akaka was first elected to the U.S. House in 1976 and was appointed to the Senate when Sen. Spark Matsunaga passed away. Akaka is reportedly retiring after this term.