A study conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that Joe Biden, who is already known for being the oldest president in the history of the country, is also the ninth oldest president in the world.
The analysis shows that national leaders worldwide have an average age of 62 and notes that President Biden is among the 5% of world leaders who are over 80 years old. He also compares Biden's age to that of former President Donald Trump, who, at 77, would be among the 25 oldest world leaders.
According to the authors, the analysis was conducted to "place the ages of Biden and Trump [two of the leading presidential candidates] in a broader global context."
The Pew Research Center examined the ages of current national leaders to place the ages of Biden and Trump in a broader global context. This analysis examines the ages of current heads of government in 187 countries that are member states of the United Nations, based on government biographies and regional news articles.
Who are the oldest – and youngest – current world leaders?https://t.co/7LCxKdE7V6 pic.twitter.com/MuQpwZ7bzp
— Pew Research Global (@pewglobal) July 26, 2023
At no time does the analysis point out that the age of a president is an impediment to lead a country. However, the age of Biden, who is seeking reelection in the 2024 elections, is one of his greatest obstacles to remain in the White House. His constant absent-mindedness, gaffes and stumbles in public have often been the focus of criticism. Not only by his political rivals, but also by Americans, who for the most part doubt his ability to govern the nation.
Ranking of the oldest and youngest presidents in the world
The list of the oldest presidents is headed by Paul Biya of Cameroon. The president, who took office more than 40 years ago, was born in 1933 and is the only one to have reached the age of 90. On the other side of the rankings is the youngest leader: Gabriel Boric of Chile, age 37.
The study also revealed that, based on the metric created by Freedom House to measure nations with more and less freedom, that "countries that are less free tend to have older leaders" and points out that the U.S. "is one of only two countries that are classified as free and have a leader who is 80 years old or older.". The other nation under this status is Namibia; with President Hage Geingob at 81 years old.
