As George HW Bush parachute jumps at 90... the top 10 longest living US presidents

George HW Bush celebrated his 90th birthday by skydiving before hosting a private dinner with 200 of his closest friends.

15:50 13 June 2014

Former US President George H.W. Bush marked his 90th birthday by going on a celebratory skydive at his family’s seaside retreat in Maine. 

 

This was the former president’s eighth time parachuting out of an airplane and this time, he used a patriotic parachute bearing the colours of the American flag. 

 

He then hosted a private dinner with more than 200 relatives and friends included on the guest list. He was joined by his son, former President George W. Bush and granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager, who watched proudly during his milestone jump. 

 

During his presidential years, Bush was very active in various sports but now uses a wheelchair because of a form of Parkinson's disease. 

 

Ken Raynor, a friend and pro at the Cape Arundel Golf Club, said: "He's lost his mobility, but he hasn't lost his heart. He's still the genuine person that we've come to cherish."

 

Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian who is writing a book about Bush, said: "He had a remarkable great run of good health and good family and good friends. So I know his chief view of life at 90 is one of immense gratitude. 

 

"He's very grateful for his parents, he's grateful for Barbara, he's grateful for his kids. He knows he's one of the luckiest guys who ever lived, really."

 

George W. Bush is included in the list of the top 10 longest-living presidents in the US History:  

 

1. Gerald Ford: 93 years, 165 days - died December 26, 2006

2. Ronald Reagan: 93 years, 120 days - died June 5, 2004

3. John Adams: 90 years, 247 days - died July 4, 1826

4. Herbert Hoover: 90 years, 71 days - died Oct. 20, 1964

5. George H.W. Bush: 90 years and counting…

6. Jimmy Carter: 89 years and counting… 

7. Harry Truman: 88 years, 232 days - died Dec 26, 1972

8. James Madison: 85 years, 104 days - died June 28, 1836

9. Thomas Jefferson: 83 years, 82 days - died July 4, 1826

10. Richard Nixon: 81 years, 103 days - died April 22, 1994