No one is better qualified to divulge the mysteries of longevity than someone who has lived through the ages, and Juan Vicente Perez was such a person.
Juan Vicente Perez, recognized as the oldest man in the world, passed away on Thursday at the remarkable age of 114, just shy of two months before his 115th birthday celebration.
A Venezuelan national, Perez was officially declared the oldest living man by Guinness World Records at 112 years and 253 days on February 4, 2022.
In one of his final interviews, Perez credited his long life to a blend of hard work, resting on holidays, early nights, daily enjoyment of a glass of aguardiente (a potent liquor), devotion to God, and keeping faith close to his heart.
Born on May 27, 1909, Perez spent 60 years married to Ediofina del Rosario Garcia until her passing in 1997. The couple had 11 children together—six sons and five daughters—and their family expanded to include 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
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Perez marked his 110th birthday in 2019, becoming Venezuela’s first male supercentenarian. His lifetime spanned over two World Wars and the recent COVID pandemic.
The news of Perez’s passing prompted a heartfelt response from Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, who took to Twitter to express: “Juan Vicente Perez Mora has ascended to eternity at 114 years old. From El Cobre, he bestowed upon Venezuela the Guinness Record as the oldest man in the world. I extend my condolences and embrace to his family and the people of El Cobre, Tachira state. May he be welcomed into God’s sacred embrace!”
Following Perez’s demise, Gisaburo Sonobe from Japan is anticipated to be the next oldest living man at 112 years old, awaiting official confirmation from his family as per Guinness World Records.
