Ronald Reagan Age at Inauguration and Career Timeline
Ronald Reagan was born February 6, 1911, and inaugurated as the 40th President of the United States on January 20, 1981, making him 69 years old at the start of his presidency. He served two terms, concluding on January 20, 1989, at age 77. This article presents a verified timeline of his age at major life events, including his birth, political milestones, presidency, and post-presidency years. All dates and ages are calculated from reliable public records and historical documents to provide a clear, factual reference.
Key Life Phases and Ages
Understanding Ronald Reagan's age at principal milestones clarifies his career arc and historical context. The following breakdown highlights his ages during formative, political, and executive periods, supported by verifiable dates and sources.
Early Life and Career Launch
Reagan's early professional life began in the 1930s after his birth in 1911. His entry into broadcasting and later screen acting occurred well before his political involvement.
- Age 20 (1931): Graduated from Eureka College.
- Age 27 (1938): Began acting career in film.
- Age 52 (1963): Served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
Political Rise and Campaigns
Reagan's political activities escalated in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to his presidential campaigns.
- Age 55 (1966): Elected Governor of California.
- Age 66 (1977): Formally announced exploration for U.S. presidency.
- Age 69 (1980): Elected President of the United States.
Presidency Dates and Age at Key Points
Ronald Reagan's presidency spanned two terms with definitive start and end dates. His age at each inauguration and major event reflects the timeline of his executive leadership.
| Event | Date | Age at Time | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | February 6, 1911 | 0 years | Birth Record |
| Inauguration as President | January 20, 1981 | 69 years | Official Inauguration Records |
| Second Inauguration | January 20, 1985 | 73 years | Official Inauguration Records |
| Left Office | January 20, 1989 | 77 years | Presidential Libraries Archives |
| Death | June 5, 2004 | 93 years | Obituary and Public Records |
Post-Presidency and Later Life Ages
After leaving the White House in 1989, Reagan remained active in public life before his health declined in later years. His age during this period reflects more than a decade of post-presidential activity and private years.
Reagan experienced notable health challenges in his late 80s and 90s, including the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in 1994. He lived publicly with the condition for several years before passing away in 2004. These later life details are documented in medical disclosures, biographies, and official statements from his office and family.
Context and Verification
Age calculations for Ronald Reagan are based on widely available public records, including birth and death certificates, inauguration schedules, and official biographies. Variations in reported ages typically stem from calendar differences rather than discrepancies in the underlying facts. Cross-referencing multiple authoritative sources confirms the ages stated here.
Verifying dates such as inauguration days and key career transitions ensures a reliable timeline. The ages provided align with historical documents maintained by presidential libraries and reputable historical institutions.
Summary of Age at Major Milestones
Ronald Reagan's age at principal moments in his life underscores the stages of a long public career and enduring historical influence. From early work in entertainment to decades of political service, his timeline is well documented and consistent across reputable sources.
| Milestone | Age | Year |
|---|---|---|
| College Graduation | 20 | 1931 |
| First Gubernatorial Victory | 55 | 1966 |
| Presidential Election Victory | 69 | 1980 |
| End of Presidency | 77 | 1989 |
| Death | 93 | 2004 |
These verified ages support a durable reference that remains useful for biographical, historical, and comparative analyses of Reagan's life and presidency.