The Ultimate List: 5 Oldest Elected Presidents And World Leaders (The Current Record Will Shock You)

The question of the oldest elected president has never been more relevant than it is right now, in December 2025. The recent US election cycle and the longevity of certain global leaders have pushed the factor of age to the forefront of political discourse, creating and breaking records that challenge conventional ideas about the physical and mental demands of the highest office. This article provides a definitive, up-to-date look at the individuals who hold the title of the oldest elected president, both in the United States and on the world stage.

The record for the oldest person ever elected to the U.S. presidency was recently broken, surpassing the previous record held by Joe Biden. Meanwhile, the global record for the oldest serving president is held by a nonagenarian who has been in power for over four decades, illustrating a stark contrast between Western democracies and other political systems.

Definitive Biographies of the Record Holders

To fully understand the context of these records, we must first look at the biographical details of the two most significant figures holding the title of "oldest elected president" in their respective domains: Donald Trump (USA) and Paul Biya (World).

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Donald Trump: The Oldest Elected US President

• Full Name: Donald John Trump
• Date of Birth: June 14, 1946
• Place of Birth: Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
• Political Party: Republican
• Primary Career: Real Estate Mogul, Television Personality, Businessman
• 45th President of the United States: Served 2017–2021
• 47th President-Elect (2024 Election): Elected on November 5, 2024
• Age at 2024 Election: 78 years, 4 months, and 22 days
• Age at 2025 Inauguration: 78 years, 7 months, and 6 days
• Significance: Broke the record for the oldest person ever elected to the US presidency, surpassing his own previous record and that of Joe Biden.

Paul Biya: The Oldest Serving World President

• Full Name: Paul Barthélemy Biya'a bi Mvondo
• Date of Birth: February 13, 1933
• Place of Birth: Mvomeka'a, French Cameroon (now Cameroon)
• Political Party: Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM)
• Primary Career: Civil Servant, Prime Minister, Politician
• Prime Minister of Cameroon: Served 1975–1982
• President of Cameroon: Serving since November 6, 1982
• Age at Current Date (December 2025): 92 years old
• Significance: The world's oldest sitting president and one of the longest-serving non-royal heads of state globally, having recently won re-election at age 92.

The New US Record: Donald Trump's Age at Inauguration

The United States has seen a dramatic increase in the age of its presidential candidates over the last few election cycles. The previous record for the oldest person sworn in for their first term was held by Ronald Reagan, who was 69 years and 348 days old in 1981. This record was shattered in 2017 when Donald Trump was first inaugurated at age 70.

However, the true battle for the "oldest elected" title began in 2020 and culminated in the 2024 election. Joe Biden became the oldest president at his first inauguration in 2021, at 78 years and 61 days old.

The 2024 election saw Donald Trump, born on June 14, 1946, reclaim the title. Having been elected at 78 years old, he will be inaugurated for his second non-consecutive term on January 20, 2025, at 78 years, 7 months, and 6 days old. This makes him the definitive oldest person ever elected and sworn in as President of the United States.

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This trend has sparked intense national debate about the "age factor in presidential elections," with voters and political commentators alike discussing the cognitive and physical demands of the office versus the wisdom and experience that comes with age. The oldest presidents at inauguration now overwhelmingly dominate the top of the list, a phenomenon that is unique in US political history.

The Global Record: Paul Biya's Astonishing Longevity

While the US record is a matter of months, the world record for the oldest serving president is in a completely different league. Paul Biya, the President of Cameroon, is the undisputed "oldest world leader" currently in office. Born in 1933, Biya has served as the head of state since 1982, making him one of the world's "longest-serving national leaders."

Biya's political longevity is astonishing. He first served as Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982 before taking over the presidency. The fact that he was recently re-elected at the age of 92 highlights the stark differences in political landscapes outside of major Western democracies. His tenure spans over four decades, meaning a significant portion of the Cameroonian population has known no other leader.

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This record for the "oldest serving president in the world" often centers around leaders in Africa and the Middle East, where term limits are either non-existent or frequently amended to allow for continuous rule. Other notable "oldest world leaders" include Mahmoud Abbas (Palestine) and King Salman (Saudi Arabia), but Paul Biya remains the oldest elected head of state.

A Historical Look at the Oldest US Presidents

The current age record holders stand on the shoulders of several other notably old presidents. Before the recent surge, the list was topped by figures from the mid-to-late 20th century, and even one from the 19th century.

The Top 5 Oldest US Presidents at Inauguration

1. Donald Trump: 78 years, 7 months (Inauguration 2025)
2. Joe Biden: 78 years, 2 months (Inauguration 2021)
3. Ronald Reagan: 69 years, 11 months (Inauguration 1981)
4. William Henry Harrison: 68 years, 23 days (Inauguration 1841)
5. George H.W. Bush: 64 years, 7 months (Inauguration 1989)

The inclusion of William Henry Harrison, who died just 31 days into his term, serves as a sobering reminder of the "health of oldest presidents" and the inherent risks associated with advanced age in office. His death, which was the first of a US president in office, immediately raised questions about the physical toll of the presidency on older individuals, a debate that continues to this day.

The Debate: Age, Experience, and Presidential Age Limits

The rise of septuagenarian and octogenarian presidents has intensified the public discourse on whether "presidential age limits" should be implemented or adjusted. Proponents of older leaders argue that their extensive careers provide invaluable experience, political acumen, and a deep understanding of complex international and domestic issues. The "age and presidency" relationship is seen as a trade-off where wisdom compensates for potential physical decline.

Conversely, critics raise concerns about the "impact of age on presidential performance," citing issues of stamina, cognitive sharpness, and the ability to adapt to rapid technological and social changes. The sheer stress of the presidency—often described as aging a person years for every year served—is a significant consideration. The debate is not just about the individual, but about the future of a nation led by a generation whose formative political experiences occurred decades ago. Ultimately, the voters decide whether experience outweighs the desire for a younger, more energetic leader.