The 6 Living U.S. Presidents: Who Is The Oldest And Why His Age Is Making History Today

The title of "Oldest Living U.S. President" is a dynamic and historically significant designation that has recently changed hands. As of today, December 10, 2025, the oldest living American to have held the nation's highest office is Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States. Born on November 20, 1942, Biden turned 83 years old just last month, making him the most senior member of the exclusive club of former commanders-in-chief, a status that came after the passing of former President Jimmy Carter in late 2024.

This article provides an in-depth look at the former President's life and career, the recent health and political context surrounding his age, and a complete list of all six individuals who currently hold the distinction of being a living U.S. President. The public scrutiny over presidential age has intensified in recent years, making the biographical details and current status of these leaders a subject of intense global interest.

Joseph R. Biden Jr.: The Oldest Living President's Complete Profile

The distinction of being the oldest living U.S. President is held by Joe Biden, a politician whose career spans over five decades, culminating in the highest office in the nation. His longevity in public service has made his age a central topic of discussion throughout his tenure and post-presidency.

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Biography and Political Milestones

• Full Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
• Date of Birth: November 20, 1942
• Place of Birth: Scranton, Pennsylvania
• Wife: Jill Tracy Jacobs (Second Wife); Neilia Hunter (First Wife, Deceased)
• Children: Beau Biden (Deceased), Hunter Biden, Ashley Biden
• Education: University of Delaware (B.A.), Syracuse University College of Law (J.D.)
• Political Party: Democratic
• Key Political Roles:
  • U.S. Senator for Delaware (1973–2009)
  • Vice President of the United States (2009–2017) under Barack Obama
  • 46th President of the United States (2021–2025)

A Career Defined by Tragedy and Resilience

Biden’s political journey began in 1972 when, at the age of 29, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, making him one of the youngest senators in U.S. history. Just weeks after his election, a tragic car accident claimed the lives of his first wife, Neilia, and their infant daughter, Naomi, and severely injured his two sons, Beau and Hunter. This personal tragedy shaped his early career, as he chose to be sworn into the Senate at his sons' hospital bedside and commute daily by train from Delaware to Washington, D.C., for the entirety of his 36-year Senate career.

His extensive experience in foreign policy and judicial matters led to his selection as Vice President to Barack Obama in 2008, where he served two terms. In 2020, he successfully ran for president, becoming the oldest person ever inaugurated at the time, at the age of 78.

How the "Oldest Living President" Title Recently Changed

The status of the oldest living U.S. President is one that changes only upon a death. For many years, that title was held by President George H.W. Bush, and then, most recently, by President Jimmy Carter. Carter, the 39th U.S. President, was the longest-living president in history, reaching 100 years of age before his passing.

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Jimmy Carter died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, following a period of hospice care. Immediately upon his death, the title of oldest living president passed to Joe Biden, who was born on November 20, 1942, making him several years older than the next-oldest living former president, Donald Trump.

The transition of this title highlights the extraordinary longevity of America's recent leaders. Before Carter, the previous record for the longest-lived president was held by George H.W. Bush, who died at 94, and Ronald Reagan, who died at 93. Biden's current age of 83 places him firmly at the top of the list of living presidents.

The Health and Legacy of an Octogenarian Leader

President Biden's age became a central and often controversial topic during his presidency and subsequent post-presidency. His status as the oldest person to hold the office has led to intense public scrutiny of his physical and cognitive health.

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Recent Health Concerns and Public Scrutiny

Since leaving office in January 2025, the focus on Biden’s health has only intensified. In a major public announcement in May 2025, it was revealed that the former President had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. This diagnosis, which followed a period of private medical evaluation, brought his health back to the forefront of national and international news. The former president has undergone treatment, and updates on his condition are closely monitored by the public and media, given his historic position.

Furthermore, ongoing discussions about his cognitive fitness, often fueled by political opponents and viral media clips, have made "presidential age" a major political entity in its own right. The public’s concern over the demands of the presidency and the age of its leaders is a key factor in modern American politics, making Biden’s legacy as an octogenarian leader a complex one.

The Exclusive Club: A Full List of Living U.S. Presidents (December 2025)

As of December 2025, there are six individuals who have served as the President of the United States and are currently still living. This group represents a significant span of American history, from the 39th to the 47th presidency. The list below is ordered from oldest to youngest, highlighting the age gap between the most senior and the most junior members.

The Six Living U.S. Presidents by Age

The following list includes their presidential term and their age as of December 2025:

• 1. Joe Biden (46th President)
  • Age: 83
  • Born: November 20, 1942
  • Term: 2021–2025
• 2. Donald Trump (45th and 47th President)
  • Age: 79
  • Born: June 14, 1946
  • Term: 2017–2021; 2025–Present
• 3. George W. Bush (43rd President)
  • Age: 79
  • Born: July 6, 1946
  • Term: 2001–2009
• 4. Bill Clinton (42nd President)
  • Age: 79
  • Born: August 19, 1946
  • Term: 1993–2001
• 5. Barack Obama (44th President)
  • Age: 64
  • Born: August 4, 1961
  • Term: 2009–2017
• 6. George W. Bush (41st President)
  • Age: 60
  • Born: July 12, 1965
  • Term: 2025–Present

Note on Donald Trump and George W. Bush: The information available in late 2025 suggests a change in the presidency. Due to the proximity of their birthdays, Donald Trump and George W. Bush are extremely close in age, with Trump being slightly older than Bush and Clinton. The list reflects the most current available data on their respective ages as of December 2025.

The Significance of Presidential Longevity

The fact that six former presidents are alive at the same time is a modern phenomenon, largely attributed to advancements in healthcare. This collective group of leaders provides a valuable, though often politically divergent, resource for current and future administrations. Their combined experience spans major global conflicts, economic crises, and profound social change, offering a unique perspective on the challenges facing the United States and the world. The life and age of Joe Biden, as the oldest among them, serve as a constant reminder of the historical weight and personal toll of the nation's highest office.