Highlights: At 111, Briton John Tinniswood becomes the new dean of humanity. A veteran of the Second World War, this alert and good-natured centenarian now lives in a retirement home in the seaside resort of Southport, in the northwest of England. He attributes his longevity to his Friday chippy tea. The oldest woman, and oldest living person, of all time is 117-year-old María Branyas Morera of Spain. The oldest man was the Japanese Jiroemon Kimura, who lived 116 years and 54 days.

John Alfred Tinniswood is the new dean of humanity. Information confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. A veteran of the Second World War, this alert and good-natured centenarian...

At 111, Briton John Tinniswood becomes the new dean of humanity

John Alfred Tinniswood is the new dean of humanity. Information confirmed by the

Guinness Book of Records

. A veteran of the Second World War, this alert and good-natured centenarian now lives in a retirement home in the seaside resort of Southport, in the northwest of England. But what are its secrets of longevity?

This Guinness World Records photo shows John Alfred Tinniswood, now the world's oldest man. The 111-year-old Englishman was confirmed as the new title holder by Guinness World Records, following the death of Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez at the age of 114. © Guinness World Records via AP

By: RFI with agencies

“

A real chatterbox

. » These are the words of the nursing home staff to describe John Alfred Tinniswood. This 111-year-old Briton took over this week from Venezuelan Juan Vicente Pérez, who died on April 2 at the age of 114. The oldest woman, and oldest living person, of all time is 117-year-old María Branyas Morera of Spain. The oldest man was the Japanese Jiroemon Kimura, who lived 116 years and 54 days.

Born in 1912, originally from Liverpool, John Tinniswood claims not to follow any particular diet. It nevertheless has its little secret... very

British

fish and chips

(fried fish accompanied by fries) every Friday, reports our correspondent

in London,

Sara Menai

Liverpool-born John Tinniswood is officially the world's oldest man at 111 years and 223 days according to @GWR The previous title holder died in Venezuela on Tuesday aged 114.John who lives at The Hollies rest home in #Southport attributes his longevity to his Friday chippy tea! pic.twitter.com/ctyibf99D2

— BBC Merseyside (@bbcmerseyside) April 5, 2024

The other secrets of longevity? Regular exercise — “

for the body and the brain

,” he assures.

You should keep them young. If you don't, they will wither. It's as simple as that. I could stand up at any time, even at this age, and give a speech in public!

Luck also plays a significant part in his longevity, he believes. “

You either live a long time or you live a short time, and there's not much you can do about it.

The centenarian also admits to not smoking and to drinking alcohol very occasionally.

Guinness World Records are delighted to announce that John Tinniswood, living in Southport, UK, has been confirmed as the world's oldest man at the age of 111 years and 222 days old as of 4 April 2024.

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) April 5, 2024

A retired accountant – for more than fifty years – and former postal employee, John Tinniswood will have lived through the two world conflicts of the 20th century. Engaged in the Second World War, he is now the oldest living veteran of this conflict.

A three-times great-grandfather, John Tinniswood still takes care of his finances, alone, and stays up to date with current events by listening to the radio every day.

When receiving his certificate as Dean of Humanity, John Tinniswood said he remembered his first day at school, when he was five years old. His oldest memory. And to give one last piece of advice: “

Whether you are learning something or teaching someone, give it everything you have. Otherwise, there's no need to worry about it. It is essential.

At 111, Briton John Tinniswood becomes the new dean of humanity

At 111, Briton John Tinniswood becomes the new dean of humanity

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