The Century Club: Ranking The 5 Longest-Lived U.S. Presidents And The Secret To Their Longevity

The question of who holds the record for the longest-lived U.S. President has a definitive answer today, December 10, 2025: Jimmy Carter. The 39th President of the United States set an extraordinary record by not only surpassing the age of 95 but becoming the first U.S. President to reach the monumental age of 100 years old, cementing his place in history long before his passing in late 2024. His remarkable longevity and post-presidency humanitarian work have permanently shifted the historical perspective on presidential lifespans, proving that the highest office does not necessarily shorten one's life, but may, in fact, contribute to an extended retirement.

The trend of presidential longevity is a fascinating historical anomaly, especially considering the intense stress and scrutiny of the office. Modern healthcare and post-presidency lifestyles have helped numerous former Commanders-in-Chief live well into their nineties. This article explores the definitive ranking of the longest-lived presidents by age at death and examines the health and lifestyle factors that contributed to their extraordinary lifespans, including the current oldest living president, Joe Biden, and the oldest president ever inaugurated, Donald Trump.

Jimmy Carter: A Century of Service and the Longevity Record

Jimmy Carter’s life story is one of the most compelling narratives of longevity and sustained public service in American history. His passing on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 years and 89 days, established a new benchmark for presidential lifespans.

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Biography and Longevity Profile of Jimmy Carter

• Full Name: James Earl Carter Jr.
• Presidential Term: 39th U.S. President (1977–1981)
• Date of Birth: October 1, 1924
• Date of Death: December 29, 2024
• Age at Death: 100 years, 89 days
• Place of Birth: Plains, Georgia
• Education: U.S. Naval Academy (1946)
• Longest Retirement: At 43 years and 344 days, Carter holds the record for the longest retirement of any president after leaving office, a period dedicated almost entirely to humanitarian work through The Carter Center.

Carter's final years were a testament to his resilience. In 2015, he was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma that had spread to his liver and brain, a diagnosis that typically carries a grim prognosis. However, he responded remarkably well to a pioneering immunotherapy treatment. His decision to enter hospice care in February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia, was another milestone, as he lived for nearly two years under hospice care, far exceeding typical expectations and demonstrating incredible physical and mental fortitude until his passing.

The Definitive List: The 5 Longest-Lived U.S. Presidents (By Age at Death)

While only one president has reached the centennial milestone, a number of others have lived well into their nineties, proving that the demanding nature of the presidency does not necessarily preclude a long life. The following list ranks the longest-lived U.S. presidents by their age at the time of their death, a list that was definitively reshaped by President Carter in late 2024.

1. Jimmy Carter (39th President)
   • Age at Death: 100 years, 89 days
   • Lifespan Notes: The only U.S. President to live to 100. His post-presidency work with The Carter Center focused on global health and democracy, providing him with a strong sense of purpose.
2. George H.W. Bush (41st President)
   • Age at Death: 94 years, 171 days
   • Lifespan Notes: A World War II veteran and the last president to have served in the war. His retirement was marked by a close friendship with his successor, Bill Clinton, and several highly publicized skydiving jumps.
3. Gerald Ford (38th President)
   • Age at Death: 93 years, 165 days
   • Lifespan Notes: Ford lived a long life characterized by an active retirement, including golf and skiing. He held the record for the longest-lived president until Ronald Reagan surpassed him.
4. Ronald Reagan (40th President)
   • Age at Death: 93 years, 120 days
   • Lifespan Notes: Known as the "Great Communicator," Reagan was the oldest president to serve a full term until Joe Biden. His final years were marked by a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
5. John Adams (2nd President)
   • Age at Death: 90 years, 247 days
   • Lifespan Notes: Adams’ longevity is particularly remarkable given the primitive medical care of the 18th and 19th centuries. He died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The Oldest Living Presidents Today (As of December 2025)

The conversation about presidential longevity is a dynamic one, constantly being updated by the ages of the five living U.S. Presidents. As of December 10, 2025, the lineup of the oldest living presidents holds significant historical weight, with two of them having set or being on track to set records for being the oldest individuals to hold the office.

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President Joe Biden: The Oldest Living U.S. President

As of this writing, Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, is the oldest living president. Born on November 20, 1942, he is currently 83 years old. He was the oldest person ever inaugurated when he first took office in 2021, a record that was briefly eclipsed by his successor, Donald Trump, in 2025. Biden’s age and health continue to be a dominant topic in political discourse, highlighting the increasing longevity of American leaders.

Donald Trump: The Oldest to Be Inaugurated (Again)

Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President, is also a key figure in the discussion of presidential age. Born on June 14, 1946, he was inaugurated for his second non-consecutive term on January 20, 2025, at the age of 78 and a half, making him the oldest person to be inaugurated as president in U.S. history, surpassing the record he inherited from Joe Biden. As of December 2025, he is 79 years old, making him the oldest living former president.

The Living Presidents (Ranked by Age)

The five living U.S. presidents as of December 10, 2025, are:

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• Joe Biden (Born 1942): 83 years old
• Donald Trump (Born 1946): 79 years old
• George W. Bush (Born 1946): 79 years old
• Bill Clinton (Born 1946): 79 years old
• Barack Obama (Born 1961): 64 years old

The Secrets to Presidential Longevity: Healthcare and Post-White House Life

It is not a coincidence that a disproportionately high number of U.S. presidents live longer than the average American male. Studies have shown that presidents, particularly those in the modern era, tend to outlive their expected lifespans. This phenomenon, known as "presidential longevity," is attributed to several key factors that provide a compelling case for the benefits of elite status and post-service engagement.

Exceptional Healthcare and Resources

A primary factor contributing to the extended lifespans of U.S. presidents is the unparalleled medical care they receive, both during and after their time in office. This includes:

• The White House Medical Unit: Presidents have 24/7 access to a dedicated team of physicians and state-of-the-art medical facilities.
• Lifetime Care: Even after leaving office, former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifetime Secret Service protection and access to world-class medical facilities and specialists, ensuring that any health issue is detected and treated immediately.
• Pioneering Treatments: Jimmy Carter's successful response to immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma is a prime example of how access to cutting-edge medical advancements can dramatically extend life.

The "Retirement" Factor: Purpose and Reduced Stress

While the presidency itself is incredibly stressful, the post-presidency period often provides a unique environment for longevity. Many former presidents transition into highly engaging, yet less politically stressful, roles that provide a strong sense of purpose, a known contributor to a long life.

• Humanitarian Work: Jimmy Carter’s four decades of work with The Carter Center, focusing on eradicating diseases like Guinea worm and building homes with Habitat for Humanity, provided a fulfilling, active retirement.
• Intellectual Engagement: Many presidents, like John Adams and Herbert Hoover, dedicated their post-presidency to writing, reading, and intellectual pursuits.
• Financial Security: Former presidents receive a substantial pension and travel allowance, eliminating the financial stress that plagues many retirees. This stability allows them to focus on health, family, and passion projects.

The lives of the longest-lived presidents, from John Adams in the 19th century to Jimmy Carter in the 21st, demonstrate that while genetics play a role, a combination of elite healthcare, financial stability, and a deeply purposeful post-White House life are the most significant factors in achieving extraordinary longevity. As President Joe Biden continues to serve as the oldest living president, the record set by Jimmy Carter at 100 years and 89 days remains the ultimate benchmark for presidential endurance.