Oldest and Youngest U.S Presidents Till 2024

Nov 7, 2024, 17:07 IST

U.S. presidential inaugurations showcase a wide range of ages, from the youthful Theodore Roosevelt at 42 to Joe Biden, the oldest president at 78. This diversity highlights how age influences leadership, with younger presidents often bringing new energy and older leaders offering experience.

Oldest and Youngest U.S. Presidents
Oldest and Youngest U.S. Presidents

U.S. presidents have assumed office at widely varying ages, each bringing unique perspectives. From the youthful vigour of JFK and Obama to the seasoned wisdom of Ronald Reagan and Joe Biden, age has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s leadership throughout history.

The ages of U.S. Presidents at the time of inauguration varied widely throughout history, thus allowing all sorts of experiences and viewpoints under leadership.

Oldest U.S. Presidents

In chronological order, the following lists the oldest persons to assume the presidency:

Joe Biden - He was 78 years and 61 days old on January 20, 2021, and became the oldest president in U.S. history at the time of taking office.

  1. Joe Biden - Inaugurated on January 20, 2021, at 78 years and 61 days old, he became the oldest president in U.S. history at the time of taking office.
  2. Donald Trump - Elected again in 2024, he will be 78 years and 221 days old at his second inauguration on January 20, 2025.
  3. Ronald Reagan - Took office on January 20, 1981, at 69 years and 348 days old.
  4. William Henry Harrison - Inaugurated on March 4, 1841, at 68 years and 23 days old.
  5. James Buchanan - Began his term on March 4, 1857, at 65 years and 315 days old.

The Youngest U.S. Presidents

The youngest president-elect to begin office includes;

  1. Theodore Roosevelt - Assumed the presidency on September 14, 1901, at just 42 years old, following the assassination of William McKinley.
  2. John F. Kennedy - Inaugurated on January 20, 1961, at 43 years old, he was known for his youthful vigour and charisma.
  3. Bill Clinton - Took office on January 20, 1993, at 46 years old, representing a new generation of leadership.
  4. Ulysses S. Grant - Also inaugurated at age 46, he served from March 4, 1869.
  5. Barack Obama - Elected in 2008 and inaugurated in January 2009 at age 47, he was notable for being the first African American president.

This historical perspective reveals how United States politics play a big role in age, as older and younger leaders have shaped the nation throughout history in different ways.


Category

President

Inauguration Date

Age at Inauguration

Oldest Presidents

Joe Biden

January 20, 2021

78 years, 61 days

 

Donald Trump

January 20, 2017

70 years, 220 days

 

Ronald Reagan

January 20, 1981

69 years, 348 days

 

William Henry Harrison

March 4, 1841

68 years, 23 days

 

James Buchanan

March 4, 1857

65 years, 315 days

Youngest Presidents

Theodore Roosevelt

September 14, 1901

42 years

 

John F. Kennedy

January 20, 1961

43 years

 

Bill Clinton

January 20, 1993

46 years

 

Ulysses S. Grant

March 4, 1869

46 years

 

Barack Obama

January 20, 2009

47 years


The diverse ages of U.S. presidents reflect the evolving nature of American leadership. While younger presidents often symbolize change and hope, older ones bring seasoned experience and stability. Both age groups have left lasting impacts on the nation’s direction and policies.




Kirti Sharma
Kirti Sharma

Content Writer

Kirti Sharma is a content writing professional with 3 years of experience in the EdTech Industry and Digital Content. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and worked with companies like ThoughtPartners Global, Infinite Group, and MIM-Essay. She writes for the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section of JagranJosh.com.

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