Jose Flores of Sardinal , Costa Rica, is currently awaiting international verification to be named the world's oldest man. At 119 years old, his claim is supported by local records and longevity researchers.
The Nicoya Peninsula's recipe for 119 years
The case of Jose Flores is deeply intertwined with the geography of the Nicoya Peninsula, one of only five global "Blue Zones" where residents frequently live past 100.. According to the report, the longevity of people in this region is attributed to a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors, including a diet centered on corn and beans and the consumption of water rich in magnesium and calcium.
Jorge Vindas, the founder of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association, emphasizes that physical activity and low-stress environments are critical. As reported, Vindas believes that spirituality and strong faith, coupled with robust social networks, are the primary drivers of extreme longevity in the region. This pattern of living suggests that the biological advantage in Sardinal is as much about community as it is about nutrition.
The paper trail from baptism to fatherhood
While the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association supports the claim, the official title of world's oldest man remains elusive until international bodies, including Guinness World Records, complete their audit. The verification process for extreme age is notoriously rigorous, requiring a seamless chain of evidence to rule out clerical errors or identity fraud.
According to the report, Jorge Vindas has provided a broad array of documentation to investigators, ranging from Jose Flores' birth and baptism certificates to records from his later years as a father. However, the final validation is still pending, leaving a critical gap between local belief and international certification. It remains to be seen if these historical documents will meet the strict evidentiary standards required by global record-keepers.
Surpassing the 117-year mark of Ethel Caterham
If Jose Flores is verified at 119, he would hold a distinct title from the current world's oldest living person, Ethel Caterham of Britain.. Born on August 21, 1909, in Hampshire, England, Caterham turned 117 in 2026, ascending to the top spot after the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025.
The distinction between the "oldest man" and "oldest person" is a common nuance in longevity tracking. While Ethel Caterham currently holds the overall record, the validation of Jose Flores would establish a new benchmark for male longevity, further cementing the Nicoya Peninsula's reputation as a hub for human enurance.
Arm-wrestling and 25 great-grandchildren
The daily life of Jose Flores in Sardinal is characterized by simplicity and familial connection. His granddaughter and carer, Hellen Flores, describes a routine that includes napping, sharing jokes, and occasional arm-wrestling matches with her. This active engagement with younger generations is a hallmark of the social support systems found in Blue Zones.
The scale of the family network surrounding Jose Flores is significant, consisting of eight children, 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Hellen Flores notes that her grandfather's history of working in the countryside contributed to his physical resilience, suggesting that a lifetime of manual labor may have served as a protective factor for his health.
Comments 0