The world’s oldest man says the secret to his long life lies in luck, moderation — and ” fish and chips » (fried fish and chips) every Friday.
British John Alfred Tinniswood, 111, has been confirmed as the new title holder by Guinness World Records. This follows the death of Venezuelan record holder Juan Vicente Pérez this month at the age of 114. Gisaburo Sonobe of Japan, the next longest-lived, died on March 31 at age 112.
Mr Tinniswood received a Guinness World Records certificate on Thursday at the care home where he lives in Southport, northwest England.
Born in Liverpool on August 26, 1912, a few months after the Titanic sank, Mr Tinniswood lived through two world wars, serving in the British Army during the Second World War.
The retired accountant and great-grandfather said moderation was the key to healthy living. He never smokes, rarely drinks and follows no particular diet, apart from a fish and chip supper once a week.
“If you drink too much, if you eat too much, or if you walk too much — if you do too many things — you will end up suffering,” Tinniswood told Guinness World Records.
But ultimately, he says, “it’s pure luck.” You either live a long time or you live a short time, and there’s not much you can do about it.”
The world’s oldest woman and oldest living person is 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera of Spain.