The world’s oldest man dies in England aged 112

John Alfred Tinniswood held the title of world’s oldest man for nearly nine months, even celebrating his 112th birthday during his reign.

His record-holding status ended Monday when Tinniswood died in a care home in northwest England near Liverpool, where he was born on 26 August 1912, his family said in a statement.

“His last day was surrounded by music and love,” the family added, also thanking “all those who cared for him over the years.” 

Tinniswood was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest man in April 2024. He attributed his longevity to “pure luck.”

“You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it,” the retired accountant and great-grandfather told the Guinness World Records.

If there was any secret to it, though, he said moderation was key to a healthy life. He never smoked, rarely drank and followed no special diet, apart from having fish and chips every Friday.

Tinniswood was born a few months after the sinking of the Titanic. He lived through two world wars and served in the British Army Pay Corps in World War II.

He was 111 this spring when he claimed the record after Juan Vicente Pérez, of Venezuela, died at 114.

Guinness World Records did not name who would replace Tinniswood as the new record holder.

He is survived by his daughter Susan, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His wife of 44 years, Blodwen, died in 1986.

The world’soldest living woman, and oldest living person, is Japan’s 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka. 

Additional sources • AP