World’s oldest man, aged 111, reveals secret to long life

At 111 years old and still adding more, British citizen John Tinniswood, is the world’s oldest man. Speaking to British media, Tinniswood revealed his secret to a long life.

A British great-grandfather who recently became the world’s oldest man has said his weekly fish and chips are the key to his longevity.

John Tinniswood, aged 111, said his long life is largely down to consuming the British staple meal and taking “everything in moderation”.

The father-of-one, who lives in a care home in Southport, Merseyside, took the title this week following the death of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Perez, from Venezuela.

Guinness World Records met Tinniswood at his care home to present him with his certificate.

On finding out he was the oldest man in the world he said: “Doesn’t make any difference to me. Not at all. I accept it for what it is.”

He met the late Elizabeth II twice, and was sent a birthday card from the King and Queen last year.

He is due to turn 112 on Aug 2 and said the day of his wedding to Blodwen Tinniswood, in 1942, was his most precious memory. They met at a dance during the war and were married for 44 years until she died in 1986.

Tinniswood retired in 1972 after a career with Royal Mail during the Second World War and then as an accountant for Shell and BP.

The British great-grandfather lives in a care home in Southport, Merseyside.

When asked for his advice for younger generations, Mr Tinniswood replied: “Let them make their own way in the world […] we’re all different in different ways. 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.”

When asked what his secret was to become a supercentenarian, Mr Tinniswood told The Sun: “Moderation in all things and keep on moving about. To sit down in a chair all day is no good.”

In 2019 he told The Mirror: “Fish and chips have got to be my favourite dish, it’s always been such a treat, and I think looking forward to my next visit to the chippy has kept me young. I feel the same now as I did when I was in my 80s, nothing has changed really.”

He added: “Now I get to have my favourite once a week here so I always look forward to a Friday.”

Tinniswood became the oldest living man in the UK following the death of 108-year-old Harry Fransman on September 25 2020.

His family said he was taking his new title “with a pinch of salt” owing to his modesty.

They said in a statement: “We are incredibly proud of John, who is a wonderful and much loved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, and we are very lucky that John is with us today.

“Being alive at 111 is testimony to his resilience, love for life, good humour and amazing survival instinct.

“We would also like to thank John’s carers at the Hollies care home for taking such good care of him.”

John’s new world title was verified by LongeviQuest, the global directory on longevity.

Dr. Andrew Holmes, co-founder of the European Supercentenarian Organisation, said: “It’s an incredible achievement to have reached such an age and become the oldest living man in the world.

“Thanks to his family, his age has been fully validated by LongeviQuest and the European Supercentenarian Organisation.”

Maria Morena, who lives in Spain, is the world’s oldest living person at 117. Telegraph