John Alfred Tinniswood was born the same year the Titanic sank and New Mexico and Arizona became U.S. states.
Now the oldest living man in the world, born on August 26, 1912, is celebrating his 112th birthday.
According to Guinness World Records (GWR), Tinniswood is celebrating the occasion with friends and family at his care home in the western English coastal town of Southport.
Ahead of his birthday, Tinniswood told GWR he felt “no different” about turning 112, adding: “I don’t feel that old, I’m not happy about it. That’s probably why I’ve reached it. I just take it in stride like anything else,” a press release said on Sunday.
The father of one, grandfather of four grandchildren and great-grandfather of three grandchildren was declared the oldest living man by the GWR in April.
According to GWR, he is also the oldest living male veteran of the Second World War in the world.
Tinniswood says his most important advice for maintaining health is to practice moderation.
He says he enjoys listening to the radio and still performs many everyday tasks — like getting out of bed and managing his finances — without help.
“I can’t think of any special secrets. I was quite active as a youngster, I ran a lot. But for me, I’m no different (than anyone else). Not different at all,” he said.
When asked what he thought the world would look like in 112 years, Tinniswood said: “Oh my God. Well, I would like to call for more honesty between different countries. They all, including our own, put on a little show now and then.”
Tinniswood is four years younger than the oldest woman and oldest living person, 116-year-old Japanese Tomiko Itooka, who received the title last week following the death of 117-year-old American Maria Branyas Morera.
Tinniswood will also become the oldest person ever in four years’ time. This title is currently held by Japan’s Jiroemon Kimura, who lived to be 116 years old between 1897 and 2013.
The oldest person of all time, the Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, lived for 122 years between 1875 and 1997.
