I object to columnist’s Steve Collins’ ageist assumption that Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, 91, would be incapable of leading the country if the top three officials were unable to do so (“An old Senate tradition needs to be put out of its misery,” May 2). A healthy man, Grassley would be infinitely more capable than the cruel, confused, erratic man now in charge.

Granted, most people in their 90s would not be able to run the country. Grassley is an exception. Today we can see that many 90-year-olds are active and life-enhancing. This was uncommon 50 years ago, when life expectancy was lower. Older Americans are not an undifferentiated mass, as the stereotype assumes.

Peg Cruikshank
Scarborough