John Alfred Tinniswood, a British supercentenarian aged 111, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living man globally.
He said his longevity is attributed to a combination of luck, moderation, and consistent consumption of fish and chips.
Last week, John who officially secured the title of the world’s oldest man had some unexpected advice to offer.
John’s recent attainment of the title comes after the passing of the former record-holder from Venezuela, Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, who died on 2 April 2024 at the remarkable age of 114.
Following Pérez Mora’s passing, Gisaburo Sonobe from Japan, the next in line for longevity, passed away on March 31st at 112 years old.
The great-grandfather hailing from Liverpool, who retired as an accountant, was presented with a certificate from Guinness World Records at the care home in Southport, northwest England, where he resides.
Born on August 26, 1912, just a few months after the tragic sinking of the Titanic, Tinniswood belongs to a diminishing group of British individuals who have experienced both world wars.
According to records, John Tinniswood, a devoted Liverpool FC supporter, was born 20 years after the club’s establishment in 1892.
Gracefully, he has witnessed all eight of his beloved club’s FA Cup victories and 17 of their 19 league title triumphs.
Moreover, John Tinniswood has endured the tumultuous periods of both World Wars; he was 27 years old when the Second World War erupted.
Despite facing eyesight challenges, he discovered a sense of purpose by serving in an administrative capacity for the Army Pay Corps.
In addition to handling accounts and auditing duties, John’s work during World War II encompassed logistical responsibilities such as locating stranded soldiers and coordinating food supplies.
Consequently, John holds the title of being the world’s oldest surviving male World War II veteran.
Following the war, John Tinniswood continued his career in accounting, working for Shell and BP until his retirement in 1972.
John was asked about the changes he has witnessed throughout his life, he said “The world, in its way, is always changing. It’s a sort of ongoing experience. […] It’s getting a little better but not all that much yet. It’s going the right way.”
John Tinniswood got married in 1942 to his wife, Blodwen, at a dance in Liverpool, a moment cherished dearly. One of his most treasured memories is just a year after their wedding welcoming their daughter, Susan, into the world.
The couple shared 44 years of companionship until Blodwen’s passing in 1986.
Currently, He is blessed with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Since reaching the milestone of 100 years in 2012, John Tinniswood has been honored with a birthday card each year from the late Queen Elizabeth, who was nearly 14 years his junior.
Having assumed the title of the UK’s oldest man in 2020, Tinniswood remains unaffected by his newfound status as the oldest man globally.
He said, “Doesn’t make any difference to me,” adding, “Not at all. I accept it for what it is.”
His advice for younger generations is, “Always do the best you can, whether you’re learning something or whether you’re teaching someone.
“Give it all you’ve got. Otherwise it’s not worth bothering with.”
While the Mediterranean diet is often celebrated as a pathway to long life, the new titleholder revealed that he didn’t adhere to any particular diet regimen.
Instead, he emphasized his enjoyment of fish and chips every Friday. Additionally, he attributed moderation as a crucial factor contributing to his longevity.
“If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much – if you do too much of anything – you’re going to suffer eventually,” he told Guinness World Records.
Besides abstaining from excess and enjoying the classic British dish once a week, he firmly believes it’s “pure luck”.
“You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it,” John said.
Despite attaining his recent title, John is not the oldest living person worldwide. That title belongs to Maria Branyas Morera of Spain, who is 117 years old, who holds the title of the world’s oldest woman.
