Just one day following the demise of Juan Vicente Perez, the previous holder of the world’s oldest man title from Venezuela, who passed away nearly reaching his 115th birthday, England’s John Alfred Tinniswood, aged 111, was officially declared the world’s oldest living man by the Guinness World Records.
Juan Vicente Perez, born on May 27, 1909, was verified as the oldest living man by the Guinness World Records at 112 years and 253 days on February 4, 2022. In a discussion before his passing, Perez shared that his long life could be attributed to hard work, resting on holidays, early nights, daily consumption of aguardiente (a potent liquor), devout faith, and always keeping God close to his heart.
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The world’s oldest man now belongs to Tinniswood, who fortuitously assumed the position after the anticipated successor, 112-year-old Gisaburo Sonobe from Japan, passed away on March 31.
At the age of 111, Tinniswood maintains remarkable independence, managing to get out of bed on his own, stay informed through the radio, and handle his finances without needing assistance.
When asked about his longevity, Tinniswood attributed it to sheer chance. Born when the Titanic met its fate, he believes longevity is a matter of luck, stating, “You either live long or you don’t, and there’s not much you can do about it.”
As of April 5, 2024, he is 111 and 223 days old and resides in a care home in Southport. Known for being very talkative, he enjoys the company of the care staff, and his status as a great-grandfather adds to his esteemed position.
Tinniswood, who lived through both World Wars and served in an administrative capacity for the Army Pay Corps during the latter, advocates for a smoke-free lifestyle and also recommends moderation in alcohol consumption. Having married in 1942, he spent 44 years with his wife, Blodwen, until her death in 1986, and now enjoys the company of his four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
