The Oldest Presidents in U.S. History, Based on Their Age at the Time of Inauguration

With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 5, former President Donald Trump is the oldest presidential nominee in U.S. history at age 78. If he were to win the race against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump would be the oldest American president ever inaugurated in January 2025 — inspiring a look back at the oldest sitting presidents in U.S. history so far.

While the Constitution states that presidents must be at least 35 years old, the median age of U.S. presidents on the day of their first inauguration is 55, according to the Pew Research Center. Many enter the highest office in the land with backgrounds in the military, law or government — and for the oldest presidents to date, some additional life experiences.

Here are the 10 oldest people to be sworn in as president of the United States, including multiple recent office-holders.

Years in office: 2021-present 

Age at inauguration: 78 years, 61 days 

Age at end of term: Incumbent 

Lifespan after presidency: Still living

Years in office: 2017-2021

Age at inauguration: 70 years, 220 days

Age at end of term: 74 years, 220 days

Lifespan after presidency: Still living

Years in office: 1981-1989

Age at inauguration: 69 years, 349 days

Age at end of term: 77 years, 349 days

Lifespan after presidency: 15 years, 137 days

Years in office: 1841

Age at -

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inauguration: 68 years, 23 days

Age at end of term: 68 years, 34 days

Lifespan after presidency: Died in office of pneumonia, making his 32-day tenure the shortest in U.S. presidential history

Years in office: 1857-1861

Age at inauguration: 65 years, 315 days

Age at end of term: 69 years, 315 days

Lifespan after presidency: 7 years, 89 days

Years in office: 1989-1993

Age at inauguration: 64 years, 222 days

Age at end of term: 68 years, 222 days

Lifespan after presidency: 25 years, 314 days

Years in office: 1849-1850

Age at inauguration: 64 years, 100 days

Age at end of term: 65 years, 227 days

Lifespan after presidency: Died in office after falling ill, making his 16-month presidency the third-shortest in U.S. history

Years in office: 1953-1961

Age at inauguration: 62 years, 98 days

Age at end of term: 70 years, 98 days

Lifespan after presidency: 8 years, 67 days

Years in office: 1829-1837

Age at inauguration: 61 years, 354 days

Age at end of term: 69 years, 354 days

Lifespan after presidency: 8 years, 96 days

Years in office: 1797-1801

Age at inauguration: 61 years, 125 days

Age at end of term: 65 years, 125 days

Lifespan after presidency: 25 years, 122 days

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