History has a funny way of shifting the spotlight. Just a year ago, the world was focused on the incredible 100-year milestone of Jimmy Carter. But with Carter’s passing in December 2024, the title of oldest living president shifted.
Now, in January 2026, that title belongs to Joe Biden.
At 83 years old, Biden isn't just a retired politician living out his days in Wilmington. He’s the anchor of a very exclusive, very small group known as "The Presidents Club." Honestly, it’s a weird club to be in. You spend four or eight years being the most powerful person on earth, and then? You’re a private citizen with a Secret Service detail and a whole lot of time to think.
The Longevity of Joe Biden and the Modern Era
Being the oldest living president in the United States today is different than it was for, say, John Adams. Adams lived to 90, which was basically a miracle in 1826. Today, 83 is still impressive, but it’s the context that matters.
Biden was born on November 20, 1942. Think about that. When he was born, Penicillin was brand new. TV wasn't a "thing" yet. He has lived through the transition from the radio age to the AI age.
What's wild is how close the ages are in the current lineup of living presidents. We have five of them left. Aside from Biden, you've got Donald Trump, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—all born in the same year, 1946. Then there’s Barack Obama, the "youngster" of the group, born in 1961.
Why the Age Record is Breaking
It’s no accident that our leaders are living longer.
- Elite Healthcare: Former presidents have access to the best medical minds at Walter Reed and beyond.
- The "Purpose" Factor: Experts like Dr. Jay Olshansky, a longevity researcher, often talk about how staying mentally engaged keeps the body going.
- Genetic Luck: You can't outrun your DNA, and most of these guys come from hardy stock.
Honestly, we might be entering an era where being an 80-something president is the new normal. Donald Trump, currently serving his second term, is 79. If he finishes this term, he’ll be the oldest person to ever hold the office, potentially surpassing Biden’s record as the oldest serving commander-in-chief.
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What Joe Biden is Doing Now
Since leaving the White House in early 2025, Biden has mostly kept a low profile. You won't find him on every talk show. He’s spent a lot of time in Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington.
People close to him say he’s focused on the Biden Institute and, more importantly, his family. After decades in the public eye—from the Senate to the Vice Presidency to the Oval Office—he’s earned some quiet.
But being the oldest living president comes with a certain responsibility. When a major world event happens, the current administration still picks up the phone. It’s a courtesy, sure, but it’s also about institutional memory. Biden has met almost every world leader of the last 50 years. You can't buy that kind of experience.
The Health Question
We have to talk about it because everyone does. There was so much noise during the 2024 campaign about his age. Now that he’s out of the daily grind, the narrative has shifted a bit.
In late 2025, reports surfaced that Biden was dealing with some of the typical "wear and tear" of an 83-year-old. A few public appearances showed him moving a bit slower, but he remains mentally sharp, often engaging in private policy discussions with former staffers.
Comparing the "Greatest Generation" and the "Boomers"
It’s fascinating to look at how the age of the oldest living president has climbed.
For a long time, the record was held by Gerald Ford, then Ronald Reagan (who died at 93). Then George H.W. Bush pushed it to 94. And then Jimmy Carter just blew the doors off the place by hitting 100.
Biden represents the "Silent Generation"—that group born between the Great Depression and the end of WWII. Behind him is the "Baby Boomer" trio of Clinton, Bush, and Trump.
| President | Birth Year | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Biden | 1942 | Oldest Living (83) |
| Donald Trump | 1946 | Second Oldest (79) |
| George W. Bush | 1946 | Third Oldest (79) |
| Bill Clinton | 1946 | Fourth Oldest (79) |
| Barack Obama | 1961 | Youngest (64) |
It’s a tight race. Well, not a race. You don't exactly want to "win" a longevity contest by outliving your peers, but the statistics are interesting nonetheless.
The "Carter Effect" on Post-Presidential Life
Jimmy Carter changed the game for how a former president spends their time. He didn't just play golf. He built houses and eradicated diseases.
Biden seems to be taking a middle path. He isn't as physically active as Carter was in his 80s—Carter was still doing Habitat for Humanity builds well into his 90s—but Biden is focused on "legacy" projects. He’s particularly interested in the "Cancer Moonshot," a personal mission fueled by the loss of his son, Beau.
Honestly, that’s where his heart is.
Actionable Insights: Lessons from Presidential Longevity
What can we learn from the oldest living president and his predecessors? It’s not just about having a taxpayer-funded medical team.
- Stay Socially Connected: Every long-lived president had a tight-knit inner circle. For Biden, it’s Jill and his grandkids. Isolation is a killer for seniors.
- Find a "Second Act": Whether it’s Bush’s painting or Biden’s cancer advocacy, having a "why" keeps you moving.
- Routine is King: Biden is famous for his disciplined schedule. Even in retirement, he keeps a rhythm.
As we move through 2026, the focus on Joe Biden as the oldest living president will likely grow. He is the last link to a specific era of American politics. Whether you agreed with his policies or not, there's no denying the stamina it takes to stay in that game for over half a century.
Next Steps for Readers:
To learn more about the history of presidential health, you should look into the "Presidents Club" archives or visit the Biden Institute’s public updates. Understanding the transition from public to private life helps put the current political landscape in perspective. Keep an eye on the 2026 midterm reflections, as Biden is expected to release a series of papers regarding the future of bipartisan cooperation.