It's a weird feeling when you realize how small the "Presidents Club" actually is. For the longest time, we had this incredibly durable group of former leaders hanging around. But things have changed lately. If you're looking for the current list of us presidents who are still alive, the number has officially dropped to five.
Honestly, the passing of Jimmy Carter in late 2024 really felt like the end of an era. He wasn't just a former president; he was a fixture. Now, as we navigate 2026, the lineup is a mix of elder statesmen, a current commander-in-chief, and guys who are still very much in the thick of the political mud-wrestling.
The Current Five: Who is Left?
Right now, as of January 2026, there are five living people who have held the title of President of the United States.
It’s a tight-knit and often awkward group. You've got Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. That's it.
Bill Clinton (42nd President)
Clinton is 79 now. It's hard to believe he was the "young guy" back in the 90s. These days, he’s still doing the Clinton Foundation thing, though he’s definitely slowed down after a few health scares over the years—sepsis in 2021 was a big one that gave everyone a fright. Just recently, in early 2026, he’s been back in the headlines not for policy, but for pushing back against House subpoenas related to old investigations. He stays busy. He’s also a grandfather now, which seems to be where a lot of his actual energy goes.
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George W. Bush (43rd President)
"Dubya" is also 79. He lives a much quieter life down in Texas. You mostly see him at baseball games or painting in his studio. He’s managed to cultivate this "grandfather of the nation" vibe that people find kind of charming, regardless of how they felt about him in 2003. He and Obama have actually teamed up recently to help plan the U.S. 250th Anniversary celebrations coming up later this year. It’s one of those rare moments of bipartisan "acting like adults" that people seem to crave.
Barack Obama (44th President)
Obama is the "youngster" of the former presidents at 64. He’s basically living the post-presidential dream: Netflix deals, memoirs, and high-level speeches. He still carries a massive amount of weight in the Democratic party. You’ll see him pop up whenever there’s a major crisis or a big election, but mostly he seems content to let the newer generation take the hits while he enjoys the sun.
Donald Trump (45th and 47th President)
Trump is in a category of his own because he’s currently back in the White House. He’s 79, making him the oldest person ever inaugurated when he took the oath again in 2025. This makes the list of us presidents who are still alive a bit confusing for historians. He is simultaneously a former president and the sitting president. His days are filled with the usual—press gaggles, signing ceremonies, and the ongoing friction with Congress.
Joe Biden (46th President)
Biden is 83. After leaving office in January 2025, he moved into the role of elder statesman. He’s been dealing with some health hurdles, including a prostate cancer diagnosis reported in mid-2025. He’s mostly keeping a low profile in Delaware, occasionally releasing statements but largely staying out of the daily circus. After fifty years in public life, the guy probably just wants to eat some ice cream in peace.
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The Longevity Record: Why the Numbers Shifted
For a long time, Jimmy Carter held the crown. He lived to be 100.
That is absolutely wild when you think about it. He survived long enough to see four of the men who followed him into office reach their late 70s and 80s. When he passed away in December 2024, it was the first time in years that the "club" felt vulnerable.
The average age of the living presidents is currently the highest it has ever been in American history. We are essentially watching a generation of leaders enter their twilight years all at once.
What the "Presidents Club" Actually Does
They don't just sit around and talk about the "good old days." Well, maybe they do, but they also have some formal roles.
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- Inaugurations: They usually all show up to show the world that the "peaceful transfer of power" is still a thing.
- State Funerals: When one of them passes, like Carter, the rest gather. It’s often the only time you see them all in one room, looking slightly uncomfortable next to each other.
- Diplomatic Favors: Sometimes a sitting president will ask a former one to fly across the world to handle a delicate situation. It’s harder to say no to a guy who’s been in your shoes.
Why This List Matters for 2026
The fact that our list of us presidents who are still alive is so top-heavy with octogenarians says a lot about where the country is. We have a sitting president (Trump) and a recently departed one (Biden) who are both well into their late 70s and early 80s.
It’s sparked a lot of debate about "generational change." You hear people like Dean Phillips or younger governors talking about how it might be time for some new blood. But for now, the power remains with this specific group of five men.
What to Keep an Eye On
If you're following presidential history or just like keeping tabs on the "club," here’s what’s coming up:
- The 250th Anniversary: Watch for Bush and Obama to be the "faces" of the national unity tour this summer.
- Health Updates: Given the ages of Biden and Clinton, their public appearances are becoming rarer and more significant.
- Legal Battles: The ongoing friction between the current administration and former leaders like the Clintons will likely keep the news cycle busy through the spring.
Actionable Insight: If you're a history buff, now is the time to visit the presidential libraries. They often host events featuring the former presidents, and as the "club" gets smaller, these opportunities to see them in person are becoming much more limited. Visit the National Archives website to check the schedule for the Bush, Clinton, or Obama centers.