The median age for US presidents at inauguration is 55 years old, but several recent presidents have taken office at significantly older ages. Serving two consecutive terms also means presidents can age significantly during their tenure in the White House, which extends until their successor’s inauguration. Here are some of the oldest presidents at the time they assumed office.
Joseph Biden
Joseph Biden, currently aged 81 years and 2 months, is the oldest person to hold the office of President of the United States. As the current president, he faces scrutiny over his age in the upcoming 2024 election.
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan assumed office at the age of 77 years and 11 months, serving as president from 1981 to 1989. Transitioning from Hollywood to politics, Reagan is remembered for his conservative policies and his role in ending the Cold War.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump was inaugurated at the age of 74 years and 7 months, serving as president from 2017 to 2021. He continues to influence US politics and is considering another run in the 2024 election.
Dwight D Eisenhower
Dwight D Eisenhower assumed office at 70 years and 3 months, serving as president from 1953 to 1961. His presidency saw advancements in civil rights and the creation of the interstate highway system.
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson took office at 69 years and 11 months, serving from 1829 to 1837. Known as "Old Hickory" for his leadership during the War of 1812, his presidency also saw the controversial Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears.
James Buchanan
James Buchanan assumed office at 69 years and 10 months, serving as president from 1857 to 1861. Known for his roles as a diplomat, senator, and secretary of state, he remains the only U. president who never married.
Harry Truman
Harry Truman took office at 68 years and 8 months, following Franklin D. Roosevelt's death in 1945, and served until 1953. His presidency included key decisions such as the use of atomic bombs on Japan and the implementation of the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan.
George HW Bush
George HW Bush assumed office at 68 years and 7 months, serving from 1989 to 1993. He oversaw the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall. He is part of one of only two father-son duos in presidential history, alongside his son George W. Bush.
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison took office at 68 years and 1 month, becoming president on March 4, 1841. He delivered the longest inaugural address despite freezing conditions but tragically succumbed to pneumonia just a month into his term, marking the shortest presidency in US history.
James Monroe
James Monroe, who assumed office at 66 years and 10 months, became the nation’s fifth president. Though he entered office at 58, Monroe left the White House after two terms from 1817 to 1825 much older and grayer than when he began. Among his notable actions was the Monroe Doctrine, asserting US opposition to European colonialism in the Western Hemisphere.
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