It’s a small group. Probably the most exclusive club on the planet, actually. When you think about the sheer stress of the job—the gray hair that appears overnight, the 2:00 AM phone calls, the weight of the nuclear football—it’s kind of a miracle that anyone makes it out the other side with their health intact. But today, in early 2026, we’re looking at a historical anomaly.
So, which US president is still alive?
The answer isn't just a single name. It's a list that has shifted significantly over the last few years. Right now, the roster of living former commanders-in-chief includes Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Of course, Joe Biden is also in that mix as the most recent addition to the "former" ranks.
The Resilience of Jimmy Carter
Honestly, Jimmy Carter is a medical marvel. There is no other way to put it. Born in 1924, he has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the rise of the internet. Most people expected the end was near when he entered hospice care in Plains, Georgia, back in early 2023. Yet, he just kept going.
He’s the oldest living president in American history. Period. No one else has even come close to his longevity in the post-presidency.
Carter's life after the White House redefined what it means to be an "ex-president." He didn't just go play golf or sit on corporate boards for six-figure speaking fees. He built houses with Habitat for Humanity. He monitored elections in developing nations. He basically dedicated four decades to global health and diplomacy. The Carter Center, based in Atlanta, has been instrumental in almost entirely eradicating Guinea worm disease. It's wild to think that a man who left office in 1981 with relatively low approval ratings ended up becoming perhaps the most respected former president we've ever had.
The Class of '46: Clinton, Bush, and Trump
Did you know that Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump were all born in the exact same year? 1946.
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It’s one of those weird historical coincidences. They are all currently in their late 70s or hitting 80. Despite being the same age, their health trajectories and public lives look incredibly different.
Bill Clinton has had some well-documented health scares. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2004 and later had stents put in. You can see it in his appearance; he’s much thinner than he was during the "Saxa-phone playing" days of the 90s. He’s transitioned mostly to a plant-based diet to keep his heart in check. Even so, he remains active in global initiatives through the Clinton Foundation, though he’s stepped back from the grueling campaign trail pace he used to maintain.
Then you have George W. Bush. He’s mostly stayed out of the political fray, choosing to spend his time at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, or in Dallas. He took up painting—mostly portraits of veterans and world leaders. It’s a quiet life. He’s often spotted at Texas Rangers baseball games, looking pretty much like any other retiree, albeit one with a Secret Service detail.
Donald Trump remains the most visible of the group. His lifestyle is famously different from the others—lots of fast food and a self-admitted aversion to traditional exercise (besides golf). Yet, he seems to have a high level of stamina for his age.
Why do they live so long?
It isn't just luck. When we ask which US president is still alive, we have to look at the "Presidential Longevity" phenomenon. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggested that while the job is stressful, presidents actually tend to live longer than their peers.
Why? Access.
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They have the best healthcare in the world. For the rest of their lives. If a former president feels a slight flutter in their chest, they aren't waiting three weeks for a primary care appointment. They have a medical team on call 24/7. They also tend to be wealthy, which is one of the strongest predictors of long life in the United States.
The "Younger" Guard: Obama and Biden
Barack Obama is the youngster of the group. Born in 1961, he’s still in his early 60s. He’s arguably in the best physical shape of any living former president, frequently seen kite-surfing on vacation or playing high-intensity basketball games. His post-presidency has been defined by massive media deals with Netflix and Spotify, and the construction of his presidential center in Chicago.
Then there’s Joe Biden. Having left office recently, he represents the oldest person to ever serve as president. His health was a constant point of debate during his term, but he remains a key fixture in the "Living Presidents" club.
The Logistics of Staying Alive (and Safe)
Being a living former president is expensive for the taxpayer. The Former Presidents Act of 1958 ensures they get a pension, office space, and, most importantly, Secret Service protection.
- Pensions: They get paid a taxable pension equal to the pay for a Cabinet Secretary (around $230,000 a year).
- Staffing: They get funds to hire a small staff.
- Security: This is the big one. Lifetime protection for them and their spouses.
It’s interesting to note that there was a time when this wasn't the case. Before 1958, former presidents basically went back to their private lives with nothing. Harry Truman was famously broke after leaving the White House, which is actually what prompted Congress to pass the law. He didn't want to "commercialize" the presidency by taking a job at a grocery store or something, but he had no income.
What Happens When a President Passes?
Since we are discussing which US president is still alive, it’s worth looking at the protocol for when that list gets shorter. It’s called a State Funeral.
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It is a massive, meticulously planned event that lasts for days. It usually involves a procession in Washington D.C., a period of "lying in state" in the Capitol Rotunda, and a service at the Washington National Cathedral. The current sitting president usually declares a national day of mourning.
The most recent one we saw was for George H.W. Bush in 2018. It was a rare moment of bipartisanship, seeing all the living presidents sitting in the same row, regardless of how much they disliked each other's policies.
Common Misconceptions About Former Presidents
A lot of people think that once you’re done being president, you lose your security clearance. Not true. Most former presidents are still consulted by the current administration on specific issues, especially foreign policy. They often keep their clearances so they can be briefed before meeting with foreign leaders.
Another weird myth? That they can't drive.
Technically, the Secret Service strongly discourages them from driving on public roads. Most former presidents haven't driven a car on a highway in decades. George W. Bush drives his Ford F-150 around his private ranch, but you won't see him merging onto I-35 in Dallas.
Actionable Insights for History Buffs
If you're interested in the lives of these men beyond just their survival status, here is what you should do next:
- Visit a Presidential Library: If you are near Atlanta, go to the Jimmy Carter Library. If you're in Dallas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is fascinating. These aren't just museums; they are the official repositories of their entire administrations.
- Track the Carter Center’s Progress: If you want to see how an ex-president changes the world, follow the Carter Center’s work on neglected tropical diseases. It’s some of the most impactful humanitarian work of the last century.
- Read the Memoirs: If you want to understand the "man" rather than the "politician," read A Promised Land by Obama or Decision Points by Bush. They offer a much more human perspective on the job's toll.
The list of living presidents is a snapshot of American history. Each name represents a different era, a different philosophy, and a different set of challenges. Whether you loved their policies or hated them, the sheer endurance required to hold that office—and then survive the decades that follow—is objectively impressive. Keep an eye on the news, as the health of our elder statesmen is a constant, shifting narrative in the story of the United States.
Next Steps for Readers:
- Fact-check the current ages of the presidents, as birth dates are fixed but ages change every year.
- Explore the National Archives website for digitized records of living former presidents to see their daily schedules while in office.
- Check local travel guides for "Presidential Sites" next time you're on a road trip; many of these living legends still have active offices or homes you can view from a distance.