https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/11/worlds-oldest-man-confirmed-as-brazils-joao-marinho-neto-aged-112

World’s oldest man confirmed as Brazil’s João Marinho Neto, aged 112

A Brazilian man has been confirmed as the world’s oldest man living following the death of the UK’s John Tinniswood at age 112.

João Marinho Neto was 112 years 52 days old, as confirmed by LongeviQuest in Apuiarés, Ceará, Brazil, on 26 November.

Born in Maranguape, Ceará, Brazil, on 5 October 1912, he was previously recognized as the oldest living man in Brazil and in Latin America.

He is also now the last surviving man who was born in 1912.

João was born into a family of farmers and moved with his parents to a rural area of Apuiarés.

He was helping his father out in the fields by the time he was four.

His jobs around the farm included helping take care of the cattle and harvesting fruit from Juazeiro trees.

João went on to marry Josefa Albano dos Santos (1920–1994), and they welcomed four children together - Antônio, José, Fátima, and Vanda.

He followed in his father’s farming footsteps, cultivating the land his then-wife inherited in Fazenda Massapê, to grow corn and beans.

He also raised cattle, goats, pigs and chickens.

João later welcomed three more children - Vinícius, Jarbas, and Conceição – with partner Antonia Rodrigues Moura.

He has six living children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

João said the secret to his long life is being surrounded by good people and keeping his loved ones close by.

The record breaker also faced hardships in his life, surviving several severe droughts that struck his region over the years.

But he worked hard to build a financially stable life, accruing many assets including land and houses.

A representative for LongeviQuest said: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him and his family on this remarkable achievement. We wish him continued good health and many more years of happiness. His story stands as an inspiration to people across the globe.”

João has been the oldest known living man in Latin America since the death of Juan Vicente Pérez of Venezuela, a former oldest man living. He died earlier this year at the age of 114.

The oldest woman and oldest person living is Tomiko Itooka of Japan (b. 23 May 1908).

She was presented with her Guinness World Records certificate at the age of 116 years 116 days.

Pictures courtesy of João’s family via LongeviQuest.

Congratulations to Mr. Marinho Neto for the title of new World's Oldest Living Man!

Congratulations to LongeviQuest for the recognition!