The Five Living U.S. Presidents: Who Holds The Title As The Oldest In 2025?

Contents

The question of "who is the oldest living president" has seen a significant and historic shift in the past year, marking the end of a remarkable era of longevity. As of late December 2025, the title of the oldest living former U.S. President belongs to a man who recently concluded his term as the 46th President, inheriting the distinction following the passing of the longest-lived president in American history. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date answer and a complete profile of the current most senior living leader.

The record for presidential longevity was reset just over a year ago. Following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, the mantle of the oldest living U.S. President passed to the man who was, until January 2025, the sitting president: Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Joseph R. Biden Jr.: The Oldest Living U.S. President

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., who served as the 46th President of the United States, is currently the oldest of the five living former leaders. Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, his political career is one of the longest in modern American history, spanning over five decades.

Biography and Political Milestones

  • Full Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
  • Date of Birth: November 20, 1942
  • Place of Birth: Scranton, Pennsylvania
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 83 years old
  • Wife: Jill Biden (Second wife); Neilia Hunter (First wife, deceased)
  • Children: Hunter Biden, Ashley Biden, Beau Biden (deceased), Naomi Biden (deceased)
  • Education: University of Delaware (B.A.), Syracuse University College of Law (J.D.)
  • Political Party: Democratic
  • Key Offices Held:
    • U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973–2009)
    • 47th Vice President of the United States (2009–2017) under Barack Obama
    • 46th President of the United States (2021–2025)
  • Historical Record: Oldest person ever inaugurated as U.S. President (at age 78 in 2021).

Biden's career began dramatically when he was elected to the Senate in 1972 at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest senators in U.S. history. His decades in the Senate, followed by eight years as Vice President, cemented his status as a Washington veteran before his historic election to the presidency in 2020.

The Post-Presidency Focus: Health and Longevity

The health of the oldest living president is always a matter of public interest, and for Joe Biden, 2025 has brought specific updates. In his post-presidency, Biden has been focused on his health, which became a prominent topic during his time in office due to his age.

In a significant update in late 2025, it was reported that former President Biden was undergoing a five-week course of radiation therapy and hormone treatment for prostate cancer. The diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which was reported widely in December 2025, highlighted the reality of advanced age and the need for ongoing medical care. Despite the diagnosis, his medical team and public statements indicated a positive prognosis, with the former president expressing confidence in his recovery.

His post-presidential activities have focused on setting up his foundation and continuing his work on issues like drug price reduction and expanding insurance coverage, which were hallmarks of his administration.

The Historic Shift: Jimmy Carter's Unprecedented Longevity

To understand the current landscape of presidential longevity, it is essential to acknowledge the record-holder who recently passed the torch. For years, the undisputed oldest living president was Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President.

Carter's lifespan was unprecedented, as he became the first U.S. President in history to reach the age of 100. Born in 1924, his longevity was a testament not only to modern medicine but also to his disciplined, modest lifestyle and dedication to humanitarian work through The Carter Center following his single term in office. He spent his final 22 months in hospice care in Plains, Georgia, defying the typical expectations of end-of-life care and celebrating his centennial birthday during that time. His passing on December 29, 2024, officially changed the roster of living former presidents from six to five.

Ranking the Five Living U.S. Presidents by Age

With Joe Biden holding the top spot, the current list of living U.S. Presidents is a remarkable group, all of whom have shaped the 21st century. The five men span a range of ages, creating a unique hierarchy of seniority.

Here is the definitive ranking of the five living U.S. Presidents as of December 2025, from oldest to youngest:

  1. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (83): 46th President (2021–2025). Born November 20, 1942.
  2. Donald J. Trump (79): 45th President (2017–2021) and 47th President (2025–present). Born June 14, 1946.
  3. George W. Bush (79): 43rd President (2001–2009). Born July 6, 1946.
  4. Bill Clinton (79): 42nd President (1993–2001). Born August 19, 1946.
  5. Barack Obama (64): 44th President (2009–2017). Born August 4, 1961.

The close proximity in age of Trump, Bush, and Clinton—all born in 1946—is a historical anomaly. They are all members of the Baby Boomer generation, and their collective lifespans will continue to challenge and reset the records for presidential longevity for years to come.

The distinction of being the oldest living president is a title that changes only with a birthday or a passing. As of late 2025, Joe Biden is the most senior member of this exclusive club, carrying the legacy of the presidency into his ninth decade.

who is the oldest living president
who is the oldest living president

Detail Author:

  • Name : Benjamin Schinner MD
  • Username : grant.adrian
  • Email : mcdermott.santina@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1982-02-21
  • Address : 31575 Turner Hollow Suite 541 Lake Ocie, SC 54574-9397
  • Phone : 424-416-2829
  • Company : Gislason LLC
  • Job : Environmental Science Technician
  • Bio : Autem expedita eum sunt rerum dolore voluptatem deserunt. Dolores aut et rerum aspernatur provident.

Socials

facebook:

tiktok:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/sdibbert
  • username : sdibbert
  • bio : Sed aut fugiat nam saepe ut harum. Autem fugiat sapiente doloremque. Nulla omnis recusandae officia. Libero eveniet praesentium placeat nulla eveniet.
  • followers : 4774
  • following : 1366

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/stephan_dibbert
  • username : stephan_dibbert
  • bio : Qui facilis nisi doloribus suscipit. Fuga ea eos earum ipsam qui modi. Et aut et aspernatur omnis.
  • followers : 1011
  • following : 829