Elder Bush makes longevity history

After Barbara Bush died in April, there were fears that her husband, former president George H.W. Bush, might die, as well.

He was hospitalized with a blood infection the day after Barbara’s funeral.

But on Tuesday, Bush made history by becoming the first former president to reach the age of 94.

Gerald Ford died at 93 years and 165 days. Ronald Reagan lived for 93 years and 120 days. Jimmy Carter, born four months after Bush, will turn 94 on Oct.1.

Bush will mark his birthday with his family in Kennebunkport, Maine, though it’s unlikely he will be able to jump out of a plane, as he did on his 90th, 85th and 80th birthdays.

He was hospitalized over Memorial Day for low blood pressure and fatigue but was released on June 4.

Four days later, Bush celebrated what would have been his wife’s 93rd birthday by tweeting about her service to others.

The Bushes, who had six children, were married for 73 years, the longest presi- dential marriage in U.S. history.

On Tuesday, his granddaughter, Jenna Bush Hager, posted a photo on Instagram and wrote: “Happiest 94th to our Gramps — the anchor of our family, our compass. I’ve loved being with you in your favourite place, by the magnificent sea.”

Over the past 25 years, Bush has remained active in public life, with emphasis on volunteerism.

Until the onset of Parkinson’s, Bush was propelled by a kind of “boundless energy” that helped him relish his prolonged status as a global figure, said Jeffrey Engel, director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University.