oldest living president

The Presidential Longevity List: Who Is The Oldest Living U.S. President In December 2025?

oldest living president

The title of "Oldest Living U.S. President" is a constantly shifting metric, especially as the nation's leaders continue to break records for longevity. As of this current date in December 2025, the record for the longest-lived president in U.S. history is held by the late Jimmy Carter, who passed away in late 2024 at the remarkable age of 100. However, the designation of the *oldest living* former or current chief executive now belongs to a different, yet equally historic, figure whose age and health remain a central topic of national discussion.

The current oldest living U.S. President is Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States. Having reached the age of 83 in November 2025, he continues to hold the record for the oldest person to ever serve as president, a title he first claimed upon his inauguration in January 2021. His post-presidency life has been marked by a focus on his legacy and, more recently, a significant health challenge that has drawn international attention.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.: Biography and Political Milestones

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. His life and political career are defined by a series of dramatic highs and lows, including personal tragedy and an unparalleled rise through the ranks of American governance. His journey from a young senator to the oldest person to ever occupy the Oval Office is a testament to his enduring presence in the political landscape.

  • Full Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
  • Date of Birth: November 20, 1942
  • Place of Birth: Scranton, Pennsylvania
  • Residency: Moved to Claymont, Delaware, in 1953.
  • Education: University of Delaware (B.A.), Syracuse University College of Law (J.D.)
  • U.S. Senator (Delaware): 1973–2009 (36 years, six consecutive terms)
  • Vice President of the United States: 2009–2017 (Under President Barack Obama)
  • President of the United States: 2021–2025 (46th President)
  • Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 83 years old
  • Key Post-Presidency Activities: Focus on the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware and discussions surrounding a future Joe Biden Presidential Library.

The New Presidential Longevity Record and The Carter Legacy

While Joe Biden holds the record for the oldest *living* president, it is crucial to understand the context of the overall presidential longevity record, which was recently reset. For years, the record for the longest-lived president was a closely watched metric, previously held by George H.W. Bush, who lived to 94, and then by Jimmy Carter.

Jimmy Carter's Historic Century Mark

Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 years and 89 days. Carter's life, especially his decades of humanitarian work following his single term in the Oval Office, made him a global icon of post-presidential service. His passing marked the end of an era, solidifying his place as the longest-lived U.S. president in history.

Biden's Age and the Oldest to Serve

Joe Biden's age has been a constant point of discussion since he began his 2020 presidential campaign. At his inauguration in January 2021, he became the oldest person to assume the presidency at the age of 78, surpassing Ronald Reagan, who was 77 when he left office. Though Donald Trump also reached 78 at his second inauguration in January 2025, Biden remains the oldest living former president and currently holds the record for the oldest age at which a president has served. This focus on age highlights a broader trend in American politics toward older candidates.

A Critical Health Update: Post-Presidency Challenges

In his post-presidency, Joe Biden has faced significant personal health challenges that have been publicly reported, adding another layer to the national conversation about presidential health and aging. This information is highly current and provides unique topical authority to the discussion.

The May 2025 Diagnosis

In May 2025, former President Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This was not a minor diagnosis; the cancer was classified as a very high-grade malignancy, receiving a high Gleason score of 9 and being categorized as Grade 5. The severity of the diagnosis immediately drew attention to the former president's health status and the medical challenges faced by individuals of advanced age.

Biden’s medical history is extensive, including two brain aneurysms in 1988, which were successfully treated. His current health management, particularly concerning the aggressive prostate cancer, is a key component of his life in December 2025. The former president's team has maintained a focus on his resilience and continued engagement with public life, even while managing complex medical treatments.

The Complete List: All Living U.S. Presidents by Age

Following the death of Jimmy Carter, the number of living U.S. presidents (including the current and former chief executives) stands at five. The age gap between the oldest and the youngest is nearly two decades. This list, current as of December 2025, provides a clear view of the hierarchy of longevity among America's highest office holders:

1. Joe Biden (Born November 20, 1942)

  • Age: 83
  • 46th President (2021–2025)
  • The oldest living U.S. President.

2. Donald J. Trump (Born June 14, 1946)

  • Age: 79
  • 45th President (2017–2021) and 47th President (Inaugurated January 2025)
  • Set to become the oldest person sworn in for a second term.

3. George W. Bush (Born July 6, 1946)

  • Age: 79
  • 43rd President (2001–2009)
  • Known for his post-presidency work in painting and advocacy for veterans.

4. Bill Clinton (Born August 19, 1946)

  • Age: 79
  • 42nd President (1993–2001)
  • Active in global humanitarian efforts through the Clinton Foundation.

5. Barack Obama (Born August 4, 1961)

  • Age: 64
  • 44th President (2009–2017)
  • The youngest living U.S. President.

The concentration of ages among the three former presidents born in 1946 (Trump, Bush, and Clinton) is remarkable, with only a few months separating them. This group, along with the much older Joe Biden, represents a generation of political figures who have pushed the boundaries of political and biological longevity in the United States.

The Enduring Fascination with Presidential Longevity

The public's fascination with the age and health of its leaders is not new, but it has intensified in the 21st century. The presidency is widely considered one of the most stressful jobs in the world, often leading to a phenomenon known as "accelerated aging." Yet, the recent longevity of figures like Jimmy Carter and Joe Biden suggests that modern medical care and post-presidency focus on health and purpose can counteract some of these effects.

For Joe Biden, his current status as the oldest living president is a culmination of a five-decade career that began with his historic election to the U.S. Senate in 1972. His continued presence in the public sphere, even while battling a serious illness like Grade 5 prostate cancer, ensures that the discussion around age, health, and the highest office will remain a defining feature of American political discourse for the foreseeable future. The story of the oldest living president is a powerful narrative about endurance, legacy, and the relentless march of time.

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