Time moves at a weird speed when you're talking about former presidents. One minute they are the most powerful person on the planet, and the next, they are quietly painting oil portraits of their dogs or world leaders in a sunlit studio in Dallas.
George W. Bush is currently 79 years old. He was born on July 6, 1946. If you’re doing the math for this year, he’s closing in on that big 8-0 milestone. It’s a bit of a trip to think about, especially since he still seems to have that same restless, high-energy vibe he had back in the early 2000s. He isn't just sitting around in a rocking chair, though.
Why George W. Bush’s Age Matters in 2026
Honestly, the "how old is he" question usually pops up because people see him in the news and realize it's been a long time since he left the Oval Office. He left the White House in early 2009. That’s nearly two decades ago.
He’s now officially entered the "elder statesman" phase of his life. Most people his age are slowing down, but 43—as his staff still calls him—stays incredibly busy with the Bush Institute. You’ve probably seen the headlines about his painting. It started as a hobby to keep his mind sharp, but it’s turned into a genuine second career.
He’s not just "dabbling." He’s released books like Out of Many, One, which features portraits of immigrants. He spends hours at the easel. It’s a side of him that most people didn’t see coming when he was navigating the post-9/11 world.
The July Birthday Milestone
When July 6 hits this year, he’ll be 80. That’s a significant number in American politics right now. We’ve had a lot of conversation lately about the age of our leaders, and seeing Bush hit 80 puts him right in that same generation as other major political figures.
He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, but he’s Texas through and through. Growing up in Midland and Houston shaped that "W" persona we all know. Even at 79, he still spends a massive amount of time at his ranch in Crawford. He mountain bikes. He clears brush. He stays active in a way that would put most 50-year-olds to shame.
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Health, Fitness, and the "W" Lifestyle
You can't really talk about how old George W. Bush is without looking at how he’s aged. He has always been a fitness nut. Remember when he used to run 7-minute miles while he was President?
While he had a heart procedure back in 2013 to open a blocked artery, he seems to have bounced back completely. These days, he’s traded the heavy running for mountain biking to save his knees.
- Diet: He’s known for being disciplined, though he’s never been shy about his love for a good burger or Tex-Mex.
- Routine: He’s an early riser. Usually up before the sun, getting some exercise in before heading to the office or the studio.
- Mental Sharpness: Painting is his main tool here. He says it's taught him to see the world differently—literally. He looks at colors and shadows in a way he never did when he was looking at policy briefings.
It’s kind of wild to think about the transition from the "War on Terror" to "What color should I use for this shadow?" But that’s the reality of his life at nearly 80.
Recent Public Appearances
In late 2025 and early 2026, he’s stayed active on the speaker circuit. He doesn't do the Sunday morning talk shows much anymore—he’s pretty much done with partisan bickering—but he shows up for causes he cares about.
Global health is a huge one. His PEPFAR initiative, which he started during his presidency to fight HIV/AIDS, is still one of his proudest legacies. He’s been out there recently advocating for its continued funding, proving that even as he gets older, his influence hasn't totally faded.
Comparing the Generations
Bush is part of that famous 1946 birth year. It’s a year that produced three U.S. Presidents: George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump.
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Basically, 1946 was a powerhouse year for American politics.
When you look at him alongside Clinton or Trump, Bush has chosen a much more "retired" path. He doesn't seek the spotlight. He doesn't tweet. He stays in his lane, focuses on his grandkids, and works on his art.
Family life is a big deal for him now. He and Laura have been married since 1977. That’s almost 50 years. They have two daughters, Barbara and Jenna, and a handful of grandkids who call him "Pappy." Seeing him as a grandfather is a far cry from the "Mission Accomplished" days, but it seems to suit him.
What’s Next for the 43rd President?
As he approaches 80, the focus is clearly on legacy. The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas is the hub for all of this. They do a lot of work on veterans' issues and economic growth.
If you're wondering what he's doing today, he's likely at the Bush Center or at home in Preston Hollow. He still has that trademark smirk, and according to people who work with him, he still hasn't lost his sense of humor.
He’s lived through more history than most of us will ever read about. Whether you loved his policies or hated them, there’s no denying that at 79, he’s lived a full, high-octane life.
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Actionable Insights for Following His Work
If you want to keep up with what he’s doing as he hits 80, here is the best way to do it:
Check out the George W. Bush Presidential Center website. They post his recent essays and updates on his painting exhibitions.
Watch his interviews on The Strategerist podcast. It’s produced by his institute and gives a much more personal look at his life now than you'll get from any news clip.
Follow Jenna Bush Hager on social media. Honestly, his daughter is often the best source for "Grandpa Bush" content, showing the human side of the man who used to lead the free world.
Read his book Portraits of Courage. It’s not just an art book; it’s a tribute to the men and women he sent into battle, and it explains a lot about how he processes his own history.
The clock keeps ticking, but George W. Bush seems to be making every year count. 80 is just another number on the calendar for a guy who’s already seen it all.