George H.W. Bush 'doing well' in Houston hospital: spokesman

File photo of Former President George H. W. Bush.

HOUSTON -- Former US president George H.W. Bush spent his Christmas day in a Houston hospital and is in good spirits, his spokesman said Thursday.

The 90-year-old ex-president was taken by ambulance to Houston Methodist Hospital Tuesday evening after experiencing shortness of breath and remained there under observation as a precaution.

In a statement updating Bush's conditions, spokesman Jim McGrath said Thursday afternoon that the former president "is still in the hospital and still doing well."

"President Bush had another terrific day and is in great spirits," said McGrath. Bush was visited by his wife, Barbara Bush, as well as son Neil Bush and daughter-in-law Maria Bush.

Bush will remain at the hospital Thursday evening. "He asked that his sincere wishes for a very Merry Christmas be extended to one and all," the statement said.

Bush spent Christmas 2012 at the same hospital for a bronchitis-related cough and other health issues. He remained there for nearly two months before being discharged.

The oldest living former US president, Bush suffers from Vascular Parkinsonism, a form of Parkinson's disease which has forced him to use a motorized scooter or wheelchair since at least 2012.

In June, the 41st US president celebrated his 90th birthday by taking to the air for a tandem skydiving jump near his summer home in Maine.