The Centenarian Club: Who Holds The Record For Longest Living U.S. President?

The question of who holds the title of "longest living U.S. President" has a two-part answer: one historical and one current. As of this writing on December 15, 2025, the historical record for the longest lifespan belongs to a president who reached the incredible age of 100, a milestone no other U.S. leader has ever achieved. This distinction solidified a legacy of public service that extended decades beyond his time in the Oval Office, making him a unique figure in American political history. This article dives deep into the record holder’s life, the current oldest living president, and the full list of America's most senior leaders.

The quest for presidential longevity has captivated historians and the public for years, especially as medical advancements have increased life expectancy. The historical record was recently cemented, while the title of the current oldest living president is held by the individual who is also the oldest person ever to assume the presidency. Understanding the ages of these leaders provides fascinating insight into the physical and mental demands of the highest office and the remarkable health of those who occupy it.

The Historical Record Holder: Jimmy Carter's Unprecedented Longevity

The undisputed holder of the record for the longest-living U.S. President is Jimmy Carter. His passing in December 2024, just months after celebrating his 100th birthday, marked the end of a remarkable life and set a longevity record that may stand for decades. His post-presidency, which lasted over 40 years, was dedicated to global humanitarian work through The Carter Center, a period of service that arguably defined his legacy more than his single term in office.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Jimmy Carter: Biographical Profile and Longevity Facts

James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, was a figure of quiet determination whose life extended through nearly two-thirds of the 20th century and into the 21st. His longevity is a testament to his simple, healthy lifestyle and his enduring commitment to public health initiatives, even battling serious health issues in his later years.

• Full Name: James Earl Carter Jr.
• Born: October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia.
• Died: December 29, 2024, in Plains, Georgia.
• Lifespan: 100 years, 89 days.
• Presidential Term: 1977–1981 (39th U.S. President).
• Post-Presidency Span: 43 years, the longest of any former president.
• Centenarian Status: The only U.S. President to reach 100 years of age.
• Major Health Battle: In 2015, he was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, which spread to his brain, but he successfully underwent treatment, including immunotherapy, which extended his life significantly.

Carter first broke the longevity record for a former president in 2019, surpassing George H.W. Bush, who lived to be 94 years and 183 days. His centenarian status not only made him the longest-living president but also a symbol of resilience and continued purpose well into old age.

The Current Oldest Living President: Joe Biden

With the passing of Jimmy Carter, the mantle of the oldest living U.S. President shifted to Joe Biden. This distinction is significant not just for his current age, but because he already holds the record for being the oldest person ever to be inaugurated as president.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

As of December 15, 2025, President Biden is 83 years old, making him the most senior of the six living U.S. presidents. His age has been a consistent topic of public discussion, especially regarding the physical and cognitive demands of the presidency. However, his tenure continues the trend of increasing age among U.S. leaders, reflecting broader demographic shifts and improved healthcare.

Biden’s age highlights a growing trend in American politics where senior statesmen continue to hold positions of power. His predecessor, Donald Trump, is the second-oldest living president, further emphasizing the seniority of the current generation of leaders.

The Full List of Oldest Living U.S. Presidents

Following the death of Jimmy Carter, there are currently six living U.S. presidents (current and former). The list below, ordered by age, provides a clear picture of the current senior statesmen in American politics. The ages are approximate as of December 2025, based on the latest available data.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

This list is crucial for understanding presidential longevity and the current political landscape, providing key topical authority for the subject.

Order of Seniority: The Six Living U.S. Presidents

• 1. Joe Biden (46th President): Age 83. Born November 20, 1942. Biden is the current oldest living president and the oldest serving president in U.S. history.
• 2. Donald Trump (45th President): Age 79. Born June 14, 1946. Trump is the second-oldest living president, just a few years behind Biden.
• 3. George W. Bush (43rd President): Age 78. Born July 6, 1946. Bush is close in age to both Trump and Clinton.
• 4. Bill Clinton (42nd President): Age 78. Born August 19, 1946. Clinton is the fourth-oldest, having been born just weeks after George W. Bush.
• 5. Barack Obama (44th President): Age 64. Born August 4, 1961. Obama is the youngest of the living former presidents, representing a different generation of leadership.

Note: The list above includes the current president, Joe Biden. If only former presidents are considered, Biden is removed, and the list of living former presidents stands at five.

The Longevity Trend: Why Presidents Are Living Longer

The fact that the last three presidents to hold the longevity record—Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter—all lived into their 90s or 100s is not a coincidence. Several factors contribute to this trend of increasing presidential longevity and the overall health of former leaders:

Improved Healthcare and Medical Access

Modern presidents benefit from the highest level of comprehensive medical care, both during and after their terms. This includes regular check-ups, immediate access to specialists, and cutting-edge treatments for serious conditions, such as the immunotherapy that successfully treated Jimmy Carter's melanoma.

Post-Presidency Purpose and Engagement

Many former presidents, particularly those on the longest-living list, have remained highly active and engaged in humanitarian work, public speaking, and establishing presidential libraries and foundations. This sustained sense of purpose and intellectual engagement is widely recognized as a major factor in promoting a long and healthy life. Jimmy Carter's decades of work with Habitat for Humanity and The Carter Center exemplify this commitment.

Financial Security and Reduced Stress

While the presidency is one of the most stressful jobs in the world, former presidents enjoy significant financial security, lifetime Secret Service protection, and a structured, supportive environment. This post-presidency stability and the reduction of day-to-day political stress can contribute positively to their long-term health and well-being, allowing them to focus on a healthier lifestyle.

The record of the longest-living president, now held by the centenarian Jimmy Carter, sets an incredibly high bar for future U.S. leaders. While Joe Biden currently holds the title of the oldest living president, the historical record showcases a remarkable life dedicated to service that spanned a full century.