The Century Club: Revealing The Top 10 Longest-Lived U.S. Presidents And The Shocking New #1

The question of presidential longevity has taken on a new significance in recent years, especially with the passing of the nation’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter, who officially became the longest-living U.S. President in history. As of today, December 13, 2025, this list is a definitive ranking of the ten individuals who have held the highest office and achieved the greatest lifespans, measured precisely in years and days.

This exclusive “Century Club” list showcases leaders who navigated the intense pressures of the presidency and went on to enjoy remarkable post-presidency retirements. From modern political giants like Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford to Founding Fathers like John Adams, their extraordinary longevity provides a fascinating look into the lives of those who served the nation.

The Definitive Top 10 Longest-Living U.S. Presidents

The following list ranks the U.S. Presidents by their age at death. For a list of the oldest Presidents at the time of their inauguration, the ranking would be different, with Donald Trump and Joe Biden currently holding the top spots.

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#1: Jimmy Carter (The Centennial Record Holder)

• Full Name: James Earl Carter Jr.
• Political Party: Democratic
• Term of Office: 1977–1981 (39th President)
• Born: October 1, 1924
• Died: December 29, 2024
• Age at Death: 100 years, 89 days

Jimmy Carter holds the undisputed record for the longest-lived U.S. President, having surpassed 100 years of age. His post-presidency was marked by decades of humanitarian work, including his efforts with Habitat for Humanity and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He spent his final years in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, passing away in late 2024.

#2: George H.W. Bush

• Full Name: George Herbert Walker Bush
• Political Party: Republican
• Term of Office: 1989–1993 (41st President)
• Born: June 12, 1924
• Died: November 30, 2018
• Age at Death: 94 years, 171 days

A decorated World War II veteran and former CIA Director, George H.W. Bush was the longest-living president until he was surpassed by Jimmy Carter. His long life allowed him to see his son, George W. Bush, also serve as president, creating a unique historical legacy.

#3: Gerald Ford

• Full Name: Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr.
• Political Party: Republican
• Term of Office: 1974–1977 (38th President)
• Born: July 14, 1913
• Died: December 26, 2006
• Age at Death: 93 years, 165 days

Gerald Ford, the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without being elected to either office, enjoyed a lengthy post-White House life. His passing on December 26, 2006, briefly made him the longest-living president at the time, a title he held until 2012 when it was claimed by George H.W. Bush.

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#4: Ronald Reagan

• Full Name: Ronald Wilson Reagan
• Political Party: Republican
• Term of Office: 1981–1989 (40th President)
• Born: February 6, 1911
• Died: June 5, 2004
• Age at Death: 93 years, 120 days

Known as "The Great Communicator," Ronald Reagan was the oldest person to be inaugurated for a first term until Joe Biden surpassed him in 2021. His longevity record stood for nearly a decade after his death in 2004 following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

#5: John Adams

• Full Name: John Adams
• Political Party: Federalist
• Term of Office: 1797–1801 (2nd President)
• Born: October 30, 1735
• Died: July 4, 1826
• Age at Death: 90 years, 247 days

John Adams, a Founding Father and the second President of the United States, holds the distinction of being the longest-living president for the longest period of time in history. He died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the same day as his political rival and friend, Thomas Jefferson. His longevity record stood until 1903.

#6: Herbert Hoover

• Full Name: Herbert Clark Hoover
• Political Party: Republican
• Term of Office: 1929–1933 (31st President)
• Born: August 10, 1874
• Died: October 20, 1964
• Age at Death: 90 years, 71 days

Herbert Hoover is known for his extensive humanitarian work before and after his presidency, which was tragically defined by the start of the Great Depression. He had a long post-presidency of over 31 years, during which he served on several government commissions and became a respected elder statesman.

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#7: Harry S. Truman

• Full Name: Harry S. Truman
• Political Party: Democratic
• Term of Office: 1945–1953 (33rd President)
• Born: May 8, 1884
• Died: December 26, 1972
• Age at Death: 88 years, 232 days

Harry S. Truman, who took office during the final months of World War II, was known for his "give 'em hell" attitude. He retired to Independence, Missouri, where he oversaw the creation of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, cementing his legacy as a working-class leader.

#8: James Madison

• Full Name: James Madison Jr.
• Political Party: Democratic-Republican
• Term of Office: 1809–1817 (4th President)
• Born: March 16, 1751
• Died: June 28, 1836
• Age at Death: 85 years, 104 days

Often called the "Father of the Constitution," James Madison’s long life was dedicated to political philosophy and public service. He was the last of the Founding Fathers to die and spent his final years at his Montpelier estate in Virginia.

#9: Richard Nixon

• Full Name: Richard Milhous Nixon
• Political Party: Republican
• Term of Office: 1969–1974 (37th President)
• Born: January 9, 1913
• Died: April 22, 1994
• Age at Death: 81 years, 103 days

Richard Nixon, the only president to resign from office, spent his later decades rehabilitating his image as an author and foreign policy expert. His longevity allowed him to return to the global stage as a respected, albeit controversial, elder statesman.

#10: John Quincy Adams

• Full Name: John Quincy Adams
• Political Party: Democratic-Republican (later Whig)
• Term of Office: 1825–1829 (6th President)
• Born: July 11, 1767
• Died: February 23, 1848
• Age at Death: 80 years, 227 days

The son of John Adams, John Quincy Adams is notable not only for his age but for his remarkable post-presidency, during which he served 17 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is the only former president to serve in Congress, dying in the Capitol building in 1848.

The Rising Tide of Presidential Longevity

The concentration of modern presidents in the top rankings is not a coincidence; it reflects significant advances in healthcare, nutrition, and quality of life over the last century. This phenomenon is a key element of presidential history and political science, demonstrating an overall trend of increased longevity among U.S. leaders.

The average age of U.S. Presidents at death is approximately 73 years old, making the members of this top 10 list true outliers. The fact that four of the top six longest-living presidents served in the post-WWII era—Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan—highlights this modern longevity trend. This trend is further supported by the current ages of living former presidents.

The Oldest Living Former Presidents (As of December 2025)

While the list above focuses on the longest lifespans achieved, the current political landscape is also dominated by aging leaders. As of December 13, 2025, the oldest living former presidents are:

• Joe Biden: 83 years old (Born Nov 20, 1942)
• Donald Trump: 79 years old (Born June 14, 1946)
• Bill Clinton: 79 years old (Born Aug 19, 1946)
• George W. Bush: 79 years old (Born July 6, 1946)

The ages of these living leaders underscore the growing discussion around the age of the presidency. Donald Trump, for instance, reclaimed the title of the oldest person to take the presidential oath of office on Inauguration Day 2025 at the age of 78, a title he previously lost to Joe Biden. This makes the topic of presidential vitality and longevity a constantly evolving and highly relevant political entity.

The Longevity Legacy: Why It Matters

The extraordinary lifespans of these ten presidents offer more than just a historical footnote; they represent decades of post-presidential influence. A longer life allows for a longer period of public service after leaving the White House, often referred to as the “elder statesman” role.

For individuals like Jimmy Carter, his four decades of philanthropic work post-presidency arguably eclipsed the impact of his single term in office. Similarly, Herbert Hoover and John Quincy Adams used their extended retirement to continue serving the nation through government commissions and legislative roles, respectively. This extended period of influence shapes American political culture, offering a unique perspective from leaders who have witnessed immense historical change.

The future of this list will undoubtedly feature more modern presidents, as advancements in healthcare continue to push the boundaries of the human lifespan. The question is not if a president will live to 100 again, but who will be the next to join the exclusive "Century Club."