Science continues to advance, and one day we may finally unlock the mystery of eternal life. Until then, we turn to the world’s oldest people for clues.
A Brazilian-born man has now set a new record as the oldest living man on Earth —and he’s revealed the surprising “secret” behind his extraordinary longevity.
Yogurt, one beer a day, avoiding men — there are plenty of supposed remedies for a long life, at least if you look back through the archives and see the advice truly elderly people have shared about how to live longer.
The idea of eternal life is, at its core, a philosophical and moral question, and so far scientists haven’t found any practical way to extend human life forever. Still, it’s always fascinating to explore the habits, foods, and methods that might help us live as long as possible.
Oldest living man today
As reported by the Mirror, João Marinho Neto became the world’s oldest man last November after the previous record holder, John Tinniswood, passed away at 112.
João was 112 years and 52 days old when Tinniswood died and recently celebrated his 113th birthday on October 5, marking another incredible milestone.
He isn’t just the oldest living man today, he’s also ranked 26th among the oldest men in recorded history.
He’s less than a year away from cracking the top 10 and just a few more years from potentially surpassing Jiroemon Kimura for the top spot.
While João is still younger than the world’s oldest living woman, England’s Ethel Caterham, who is over three years his senior, his achievement is extraordinary. And, according to him, there’s a simple reason behind it.
João Marinho Neto was born into a farming family in rural Brazil and grew up surrounded by hard work from an early age. As a young child, he was already helping out in the fields, caring for animals and harvesting fruit.
Farming became his way of life, and over the years he worked the land growing crops like corn and beans while also raising livestock, including chickens, cattle, goats, and pigs.
He was married and raised a large family, later having more children with another partner. Despite frequent droughts and difficult conditions in the region, he managed to build a stable life through persistence and hard work. Today, he is the father of six living children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Now living in a nursing home due to vision problems, those close to the 113-year-old say he still enjoys simple pleasures — especially coffee in the morning, fruit, brown sugar, and free-range chicken.
His secret
João Neto credits his long life to the loved ones around him.
“I’ve always had loved ones nearby,” he says, explaining that he’s been consistently surrounded by “good people” throughout his life.
His long life reflects a lifetime of routine, resilience, and simplicity.
While that might not be a measurable formula for longevity, it suggests there’s no single treatment, diet, or activity that guarantees a longer life.
Often, all it takes is a positive outlook and happiness, qualities João Neto clearly embodies. For those seeking something a bit more tangible, consider 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera, who attributed her long life to a love of yogurt before she recently passed away, combined, of course, with excellent genes, according to doctors and scientists.
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