The world's oldest man has passed away just weeks before his 115th birthday, Guinness World Records announced today.
Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, who held the title of the oldest living man for a few years, was awarded the distinction on Feb 4, 2022, when he was 112 years and 253 days old.
He credited his remarkable longevity to a simple lifestyle, including hard work, proper rest, early bedtime, daily consumption of a glass of aguardiente, and his strong faith in God. He emphasized the importance of faith in his life, praying at least twice daily.
According to him, he wanted to be remembered as a hard-working man, devoted to his wife, and deeply faithful to his religion.
Pérez came into the world on May 27, 1909, in Venezuela to Euquitio Pérez and Edelmira Mora and resided in Táchira state until his passing. Governor Freddy Bernal expressed his sorrow, stating, "with deep sadness and pain we say goodbye to this archetype of Tachirense man, humble, hardworking, peaceful, enthusiastic about family and tradition."
He shared his life with 11 children –six sons and five daughters– with Ediofina del Rosario García. Their union lasted for 60 years. Pérez was blessed with 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. At the age of 5, he embarked on his agricultural journey. Despite limited formal education, Pérez managed to grasp reading and writing skills. In 1948, he assumed the role of sheriff in Caricuena, where he mediated land and family disputes for a decade.
President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela also honored Pérez on social media, writing: "Juan Vicente Pérez Mora has transcended into eternity at 114 years old. I send my hugs and condolences to his family and to all the people of El Cobre, Táchira state. May God receive him in his holy glory."
The Gerontology Research Group is actively seeking the world's oldest living man. Potential candidates include Japanese Gisaburō Sonobe, born on November 6, 1911, or Brazilian Josias de Oliveira, born on October 21, 1911. Both birth dates require confirmation before the prestigious title can be bestowed, as per the group's announcement.
