John Tinniswood, a name synonymous with extraordinary longevity and historical witness, passed away peacefully at the age of 112. His life, spanning over a century, ended as it was lived, amid the gentle cadence of music and the warmth of affection in a Merseyside care home this Monday.
Born on August 26, 1912, in Liverpool, UK, the year the Titanic tragically sank, Tinniswood not only witnessed but lived through some of the most significant events in modern history, including both World Wars.
His remarkable longevity led him to be declared the world's oldest living man in April by Guinness World Records, a title he held with a humble acknowledgment of fortune.
"You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it," he once said, attributing his long life to sheer 'luck'.
Tinniswood's life was one of service and dedication. During the Second World War, he served in an administrative capacity for the Army Pay Corps, handling accounts and auditing, a role critical in the logistical operations of the military such as locating stranded soldiers and organizing food supplies.
His career spanned decades with giants like Shell and BP, retiring only in 1972, yet his passion for life never waned.
A devoted Liverpool FC fan, Tinniswood experienced the club's many triumphs, celebrating all eight of Liverpool’s FA Cup wins and 17 out of their 19 league title victories, having been born just 20 years after the club itself was founded.
His personal life was equally rich and full of love. He met his wife Blodwen at a dance in Liverpool, sharing a blissful 44 years together until her passing in 1986.
His remarkable longevity led him to be declared the world's oldest living man in April by Guinness World Records, a title he held with a humble acknowledgment of fortune. Credit: Maja Hitij / Getty
The couple had a daughter, Susan, born in 1943, enriching Tinniswood's life with family joy. Even into his centennial years, he received annual birthday cards from Queen Elizabeth, who was nearly 14 years his junior.
Reflecting on his age, Tinniswood maintained a pragmatic outlook, even as he celebrated his 112th birthday this August. "In all honesty, no different. I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited over it. That’s probably why I’ve reached it. I just take it in my stride like anything else, why I’ve lived that long I have no idea at all," he mused to Guinness World Records.
John Tinniswood's passing marks the end of an era, but his life remains a testament to resilience and the quiet strength of an ordinary man who lived through extraordinary times. The title of the world’s oldest living man now passes to Joao Marinho Neto of Brazil, also aged 112, who was born just weeks after Tinniswood.
As we remember Tinniswood, his story continues to inspire and remind us of the profound impact one life can have, witnessed through the lens of a century of monumental change.
Tinniswood, a beloved figure, was remembered by his family for his remarkable qualities: intelligence, decisiveness, and a knack for great conversation. He sadly passed away in a Southport care home where he had been residing.
Now, stepping into the spotlight is João Marinho Neto, who has lived an extraordinary 112 years and 55 days. His longevity is impressive, especially considering his humble beginnings and life of hard labor. Born into a family of farmers on October 5, 1912, in Maranguape, Ceara, Brazil, João started working in the fields at the tender age of four.
João's life has been marked by resilience and hard work. He spent his early years helping his father on the farm, tending to cattle, and harvesting fruit from Juazeiro trees. Over the years, he expanded his farming efforts to include growing corn and beans, as well as raising various livestock. His marriage to Josefa Albano dos Santos was fruitful, bringing four children into the world, followed by three more from his partnership with Antonia Rodrigues Moura.
His longevity can be attributed to simple, yet profound wisdom. When asked about the secret to his long life, João shared that it was about being "surrounded by good people and keeping his loved ones close by." A stark contrast to the more whimsical advice often cited by others, such as drinking gin or staying single.
João's large family, which includes six living children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, certainly keeps him company and adds joy to his long life. This family-centric approach to life underscores the importance of social bonds and emotional health in longevity.
As the world celebrates João's new title, LongeviQuest, the organization that confirmed his age, has extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for his continued health and happiness. His story is not just a personal milestone but serves as an inspiration to people around the globe, reminding us of the richness of a life well-lived.
However, João still has some catching up to do if he aims to surpass the world's oldest living woman, Tomiko Itooka of Japan, who is currently 116 years old. Itooka attributes her long life to an active lifestyle that included hiking and mountain climbing well into her nineties.
Perhaps there's something to be said for staying active, as Tinniswood also credited walking for his long life. So, whether it's working on a farm or taking hikes, it seems that staying physically active is a common thread among those who enjoy remarkably long lives. Maybe it's time for us all to dust off our walking boots and take a stroll towards a healthier future.
The world's oldest man, who credited his long life to working hard and sleeping well, has died just two months before his birthday.
Juan Vicente Perez Mora, recognized as the world's oldest living man, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, survived by 11 children, 41 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
He became the world's oldest man in 2020 when he claimed the title in Venezuela. This status was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in May 2022, solidifying his place in history, per the Daily Mail.
Renowned for his wisdom and simple yet profound philosophy of life, Perez Mora attributed his longevity to hard work, early bedtimes, and his unwavering faith in God.
Perez Mora became the oldest man in the world in 2020. Credit: Jorge Castellanos/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The sad news of his death was confirmed by Freddy Bernal, the governor of Tachira state, where Perez Mora peacefully passed away.
Bernal expressed his sorrow, saying: "Our dear Juan Vicente Perez Mora, today with deep sadness and pain we say goodbye to you, to that archetype of a man from Tachira, humble, hard-working, peaceful, enthusiastic about family and tradition."
Perez Mora was 114 years old and was two months shy of his 115th birthday.
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro also paid tribute, acknowledging Perez Mora's remarkable life.
"Juan Vicente Perez Mora has transcended into eternity at 114 years old," Maduro said. "From the town of El Cobre, he gave Venezuela the Guinness Record for being the oldest man in the world."
Perez Mora credits his long life to God, working hard, going on holiday, and getting a good amount of sleep. Credit: Jorge Castellanos/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty
Affectionately known as Tio Juan, Perez Mora was born in 1909 and was set to celebrate his milestone 115th birthday on May 27.
Throughout his working life, which spanned 50 years, Perez Mora mainly harvested sugar cane and coffee.
His wife, Ediofina del Rosario García, was his companion for 60 years until her passing in 1997. Throughout his long life, Perez Mora remained deeply rooted in his faith and family.
Perez Mora has passed away aged 114. Credit: Jorge Castellanos/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty
In a statement, Guinness World Records shared Perez Mora's secret to longevity: "His secret for a long life is to 'work hard, rest on holidays, go to bed early, drink a glass of aguardiente every day, love God, and always carry him in your heart.'"
Featured image credit: Jorge Castellanos/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty
The world's oldest man, Francisco Nunez Olivera, passed away this week at the age of 113. Olivera passed away around 10:30pm on Monday night at his home, in the village of Bienvenida in Badajo, south-west Spain. Local officials have declared a day of mourning to mark the death.
His 113th birthday was just over a month ago, on December 13. He began that day with his traditional sponge cake and a glass of milk for breakfast, then opened letters of congratulations from across the world. Given his lengthy lifespan, he has left behind a huge family, with two siblings aged 97 and 93, four children, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. His daughter, Maria Antonia, is 82, and was among those with him on this day, and was also with him on the day of his death.
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The mayor of Bienvenida, Antonio Carmena, confirmed his death this morning, describing it as a "shame for the entire village and the whole world", adding that "he has meant a lot to us, he has represented our village and he has helped make us known and loved".
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Olivera became the world's oldest man after the death of Polish-born Israeli Yisrael Kristal on August 11, and the way in which he reached such an age is fairly simple. His family have said that it is mainly down to his diet, which mostly involved vegetables he grew himself and a daily glass of red wine.
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Even in his later years he didn't seem to be suffering, with his daughter remarking that he was in "good health" without any major pains or illnesses. In an interview with El Mundo in 2015, he said he would like to live a few more years, saying that "I know I'm old but I don't feel old".
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The retired farmer went for daily walks alone in his home village until the age of 107 and was often referred to as 'Marchena', due to his likeness to a Spanish flamenco singer. Francisco had a cataract operation at the age of 98 so that he could read again, which was apparently one of only two trips to the hospital, according to his family.
On his birthday, the mayor remarked that he was a living example of the benefits of "pollution-free skies and countryside and stress-free work of the traditional way of life".
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Bienvenida Town Hall said in a statement:
"The day we didn't want to arrive has come. Francisco Nunez Olivera, or 'Marchena' as he was better known, has died aged 113.
"He has passed away in Bienvenida, our village, the village where he was born and which he helped become known throughout the world. He has passed away with the affection of his family and the admiration of those who knew him.
"The town plans to declare a day of morning in honour of our Favourite Son.
"Rest in peace, grandfather of the world. We will always remember you."
Now, the title of the oldest man in the world has passed down to Masazou Nonaka, who is 112 years and 189 days old.
The world's oldest living person celebrated her 119th birthday on Sunday in a Japanese nursing home.
Kane Tanaka's great-granddaughter Junko Tanaka shared the news in a sweet Twitter post.
"Great achievement. [Kane Tanaka] reached 119 years of age," she wrote alongside a photo of the birthday girl smiling and making peace signs for the camera.
"I hope you'll continue to live life cheerfully and to the fullest," Junko added.
Supercentenarian Tanaka was officially recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records in 2017 when she was 116 years old. Since then, she has been crowned the world's oldest known living person and Japan's all-time oldest resident.
The 119-year-old - who is fond of chocolate and fizzy drinks - marked her latest milestone birthday at the nursing home where she lives in southwest Japan, The Guardian reports.
Among her birthday gifts were two commemorative Coca-Cola bottles, personalized with her name and age. Junko shared a picture of them on Twitter alongside the caption "Birthday gift 1."
"Really appreciate this gift. Coca-Cola company made a commemorative birthday bottle. It seems [Tanaka] is still drinking Coca-Cola as usual," she joked.
Tanaka was born in 1903. She married a rice shop owner when she was 19 and worked in the family store for over 80 years until she retired at the ripe old age of 103.
As well as two world wars and five Japanese imperial reigns, Tanaka has also lived through 49 Summer and Winter Olympic games. She made headlines earlier this year when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympic's torch relay due to concerns over catching coronavirus.
There are now just over three years separating Tanaka from the verified oldest person in recorded history, a title held by French supercentenarian Jeanne Calment.
Tanaka at 116. Credit: Newscom / Alamy
Calment passed away in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. Tanaka is currently in third place, just 95 days behind the second-oldest person of all time Sarah Knauss.
The world's oldest known living man - Spain's Saturnino de la Fuente García - is currently 112-years-old.
Tanaka is one of a growing number of centenarians in Japan, where the average life expectancy is 84.36 years. A September survey estimated that there are over 86,510 Japanese people over the age of 100.
We all want to enjoy life as best we can and the end goal for the majority of people is to live a long, healthy and happy life. While life can throw up different obstacles throughout its course and can sometimes be cut short in tragic circumstances, some people manage to squeeze every last bit of life out of their bodies. One such man is Francisco Nunez Olivera who just celebrated his 113th birthday.
Born on December 13 1904, Francisco is officially the world's oldest man. Nunez Grew up in Bienvenida in Extremadura, Spain. He currently still resides in the village, which has been his home for the entirety of his life.
Francisco kicked off the celebrations as he always does, by opening the birthday cards from people around the world and enjoying a slice of cake alongside a glass of milk. While Francisco enjoys the festivities, he will be sure to have a glass of red wine later.
Francisco enjoys a glass of the good stuff every day and he eats vegetables that he's grown by himself on his own land. He and his family believe that it's this combination of wine and home-grown food that has led to Francisco enjoying such a long and happy life.
Francisco spent his 113th birthday surrounded by loved ones at his family home, including his four children, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The retired farmer, who also has two siblings aged 93 and 97, fought during the Rif War in the 1920's, between Spain and the Berber tribes in Morocco.
Francisco only officially became the oldest man in the world after the death of Isreali Yisrael Kristal on August 11 this year. However, despite his age, he claims to not experience any aches, pains or illnesses. The 113-year-old is in good health, with perfect blood pressure and until the age of 107, Francisco was able to go on daily walks down to his local village. Something he is able to do thanks to his daily glass of red wine, which he credits as being the secret to a long life.
The widower is one of 30 people in the village, which has a population of only 2,300 inhabitants, who are over the age of 90. The local Mayor Antonio Carmona says that Francisco is "a living example of the quality of life in the municipality, but also of the pollution-free skies and countryside and stress-free work of the traditional way of life.
Speaking about turning 113, Francisco said: "I know I’m old but I don’t feel old. I’m crazy, satisfied with my soul."
Francisco said that he was overwhelmed by the letters of admiration and love that he was receiving from strangers all around the world. His 82-year-old daughter Maria Antonia, who is a full-time carer for her father, said:
"Some days he talks all day and others he sleeps all day. Someone mentioned the idea of taking him to a retirement home once and it made me feel bad."
Happy Birthday, Francisco. You have now given us an excuse to drink more red wine (not that we needed one), so thanks for that!
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