The number of individuals who have held the highest office in the United States and are still alive is a topic of constant public fascination, especially as the current date is December 12, 2025. Following a significant and somber change in late 2024, the total number of living former U.S. Presidents now stands at five, a figure that is still considered historically high. This article provides the definitive, up-to-the-minute breakdown of the living former Commanders-in-Chief, their current ages, and a look back at the recent passing that changed the count.
The total number of living people who have served as President of the United States is six, which includes the current occupant of the White House. However, the focus of this list is on the five individuals who have completed their terms and are now living out their post-presidency lives, serving as elder statesmen, authors, and global humanitarians. Each of these figures represents a unique chapter in American history, and their continued presence offers a rare continuity between decades of political leadership.
The Five Former U.S. Presidents Still Alive
As of December 2025, five former presidents are still living. They span three decades of presidential history, with ages ranging from the early 60s to the late 70s. Their names, in order of their presidential term, are as follows:
1. Bill Clinton (42nd President)
- Full Name: William Jefferson Clinton
- Born: August 19, 1946
- Current Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term of Office: 1993–2001
- Post-Presidency Focus: Global philanthropy through the Clinton Foundation, public speaking, and international advocacy for health and climate change.
Bill Clinton, who served two terms, remains an active figure on the global stage. His post-presidency has been marked by extensive humanitarian work, often alongside his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He is the oldest of the currently living former presidents.
2. George W. Bush (43rd President)
- Full Name: George Walker Bush
- Born: July 6, 1946
- Current Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term of Office: 2001–2009
- Post-Presidency Focus: The George W. Bush Presidential Center, painting, and supporting military veterans.
Following his two terms, George W. Bush has dedicated his time to his presidential library and policy institute in Dallas, Texas. He has notably taken up painting, with his subjects often including world leaders and military veterans. He and Bill Clinton are only a few weeks apart in age, representing a unique generational cohort.
3. Barack Obama (44th President)
- Full Name: Barack Hussein Obama II
- Born: August 4, 1961
- Current Age (Dec 2025): 64
- Term of Office: 2009–2017
- Post-Presidency Focus: The Obama Foundation, youth leadership initiatives, and producing content (books, documentaries, podcasts) through his media company, Higher Ground.
Barack Obama is the youngest of the living former presidents. His post-presidency has been highly visible, focusing on inspiring the next generation of leaders and engaging in various media projects that have made him a major cultural figure long after leaving the White House. He maintains a strong global presence and is often seen as a key voice on current political issues.
4. Donald Trump (45th President)
- Full Name: Donald John Trump
- Born: June 14, 1946
- Current Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term of Office: 2017–2021
- Post-Presidency Focus: Political campaigning, media engagement, and maintaining influence within the Republican Party.
Donald Trump’s post-presidency has been unique among his peers, characterized by his continued central role in national politics. Unlike many former presidents who retreat from the political fray, he has remained a dominant force, utilizing his social media presence and holding rallies to maintain a connection with his base. He is one of three living former presidents born in 1946.
5. Joe Biden (46th President)
While the question typically refers to former presidents, it is important to note that the current President, Joe Biden, is also a living individual who has held the office. He was born on November 20, 1942, making him 83 years old as of December 2025. He is the oldest person ever to be elected to the U.S. presidency.
The End of an Era: The Passing of the Longest-Living President
The number of living former presidents saw a change on December 29, 2024, with the passing of James Earl "Jimmy" Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States.
Jimmy Carter’s Unprecedented Longevity
Jimmy Carter’s death at the age of 100 marked the end of an extraordinary life and a record-breaking post-presidency. He was, and remains, the longest-living U.S. President in history, a record he achieved by surpassing George H.W. Bush's record. His passing reduced the count of living former presidents from six to five.
Carter’s legacy is often defined by his humanitarian work after leaving office, particularly his decades of service with Habitat for Humanity and his tireless efforts to promote democracy and human rights worldwide through The Carter Center. His post-presidency was widely regarded as one of the most impactful in history, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
A Look at Presidential Longevity and Post-Presidency Life
The current group of five living former presidents is a testament to modern advances in healthcare and a phenomenon of increased presidential longevity. Historically, it was rare for a president to live decades after leaving office. For instance, James K. Polk died only 103 days after his term ended.
The 1946 Cohort and Generational Proximity
A fascinating detail is the "1946 Cohort," consisting of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. All three were born within a few months of each other in 1946, making them contemporaries who occupied the Oval Office in succession (42nd, 43rd, and 45th). This close proximity in age and term is a unique historical occurrence that highlights the baby boomer generation's dominance in late 20th and early 21st-century American politics.
The Role of Elder Statesmen
The continued health and public engagement of former presidents allow them to serve as valuable elder statesmen. They often collaborate on non-partisan issues, such as disaster relief efforts, and offer counsel to the current administration. This tradition of post-presidency collegiality, despite political differences, is a vital part of the American political landscape, providing a sense of continuity and institutional memory.
The collective wisdom and experience of these five former leaders—Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump—along with the current president, Joe Biden, represent a significant repository of historical knowledge. Their continued public lives ensure that their unique perspectives on domestic and global affairs remain available for years to come.
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