American Presidents Who Lived the Longest and Shortest Lives

In March 2019, Jimmy Carter became the longest-living former president in U.S. history. Carter, who is now 96, passed President George H.W. Bush, who, at the time of his death, was the longest living former president. Bush lived to be 94 years and 171 days old.

While many former American presidents led long lives after completing their term, most did not live well into their 90s, and some died not more than a few years after leaving office. Some, of course, even died in the White House. 24/7 Tempo researched the age and cause of death of every U.S. president who has passed away.

The highest office in America may also be one of the most dangerous. Eight out of 44 presidents died in office. Four of those presidents — Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy — were assassinated. At least one assassination attempt has been documented during every presidency since that of Lyndon B. Johnson. Here are the most famous failed assassinations.

The normal proceedings of the presidency may also take a toll on health. The presidency is a high-stress job, and many have left the office with significant health issues. James K. Polk, Chester A. Arthur, and Woodrow Wilson decided against running for an additional term either to escape the stresses of the presidency or because of poor health.

Jimmy Carter is the longest-living former president. The president with the shortest life was John F. Kennedy, who was 46 years and 177 days at the time of his assassination. These are the 37 most famous assassinations in American history.