Who Is the Oldest President Alive Today
The oldest living former U.S. president is Joe Biden, born November 20, 1942, making him the oldest person to have held the presidency and the oldest sitting or former president currently alive. He served as the 46th president from 2021 to 2025, and his age at inauguration and at the end of his term places him at the top of the chronological list of U.S. presidents by age. For up-to-date biographical details, see the official White House biography of Joe Biden.
Among other living former presidents, Jimmy Carter, born October 1, 1924, held the record as the longest-lived president before Biden's term, and he remains a key reference point when comparing ages of recent presidents. The ranking of the oldest presidents alive is based strictly on date of birth and current status, using publicly available records from the U.S. National Archives and presidential libraries.
Oldest Presidents by Age at Inauguration and Current Status
Age at Inauguration
Joe Biden was 78 years old when inaugurated in 2021, making him the oldest person ever inaugurated as president, while Donald Trump was 70 at his first inauguration in 2017, and Ronald Reagan was 69 at his first inauguration in 1981. These ages are frequently cited in discussions of the oldest presidents alive because they show how the average age at inauguration has shifted upward over recent administrations.
Current Living Former Presidents by Age
As of the latest public data, the living former presidents ranked by age are Joe Biden, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, with Biden holding the top position and Carter often noted as the longest-lived president in U.S. history. Their ages are determined by their birth dates and the current calendar year, and they are tracked by the U.S. Senate historical office and major news outlets.
Why Age Matters in the Presidency
Health, Term Length, and Public Interest
Public interest in the oldest president alive tends to spike around election cycles and major health announcements, because age affects perceived stamina, policy continuity, and the likelihood of a second term. The U.S. Secret Service and the White House medical unit publish periodic health summaries, and financial disclosures from the Office of Government Ethics provide insight into post-presidency income sources such as book deals and speaking fees.
Post-Presidency Financial Activity
Former presidents often build post-presidency income through book advances, foundations, and paid speeches, with the Former Presidents Act providing a pension and staff allowances. For details on financial disclosures and post-office earnings, see the U.S. Office of Government Ethics financial release forms and reports on the White House website.
