John Tinniswood, the world’s oldest man and a Guinness World Record holder, has passed away at the age of 112. He died peacefully on Monday at a care home in Southport, northwest England, surrounded by music and love, according to his family.
A Life Spanning 112 Years
Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on August 26, 1912, the same year the Titanic sank. His remarkable life saw him live through both World Wars and witness monumental changes in history and technology.
He became the world’s oldest man in April 2024, following the death of Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez at 114.
The Secret to Longevity
When asked about the secret to his long life, Tinniswood credited “pure luck.” In his own words:
“You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”
He did, however, emphasize the importance of moderation:
“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.”
A Legacy of Service and Passion
During World War II, Tinniswood served in an administrative role in the Royal Army Pay Corps. After the war, he worked in accounts for oil companies Shell and BP.
A lifelong Liverpool football club supporter, Tinniswood also enjoyed a simple weekly tradition: eating fish and chips every Friday.
Family and Tributes
His family expressed gratitude to all who cared for him over the years, adding that his final moments were surrounded by love and music.
Current Record Holder
With Tinniswood’s passing, the title of the world’s oldest living man is yet to be announced. However, the world’s oldest living woman is currently Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, aged 116.
Tinniswood’s incredible journey stands as a testament to resilience, moderation, and the randomness of life’s longevity.
