World's Oldest Man: 112-Year-Old Puerto Rican Reveals the Secret to a Long Life

The Guinness World Records announced on Wednesday, July 1, the oldest living man alive on the planet. His name is Emilio Flores Marquez, the 112-year-old Puerto Rican born on August 8, 1908, in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

To be exact, the world's oldest man has been living for 112 years and 326 days now. Don Milo reveals his secret to having a long life in an interview as he receives his certificate from the Guinness World Records.

Don Milo: The Story of the World's Oldest Man Alive

Don Milo, as fondly called by his family and friends, was born on the eighth day of the eight-month of the eight-year of the 20th century. He grew up on a sugarcane farm and is the second oldest among the 11 children of his parents Alberto Flores Melendez and Margarita Márquez-Garcia, according to The New York Post.

During his younger years, he would help his father water the sugarcane and load them into the wagons. But as the second oldest child, he would also do some of the household chores and care for his nine younger surviving siblings.

He recalls doing everything from scrubbing to taking care of the boys. Then eventually, he too became a farmer like his father.

"My father raised me with love, loving everyone. He always told me and my siblings to do good, to share everything with others. Besides, Christ lives in me," Marquez told Guinness.

For 75 years, the world's oldest man was married to Andrea Perez, who sadly passed away over a decade ago, in 2010. now, he has five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Don Milo currently lives in Rio Piedras in Puerto Rico, staying with his two children, Tirsa and Milito, who are taking care of him.

What is the Secret to Longevity?

According to News18, his secret to having an advanced age is compassion. Being brought up with love and compassion by his father, he remembers him telling them to be loving, do always good to other people, and share everything with others.

Almost 11 years ago, Don Milo underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker. That procedure left him nearly deaf, but his family said that their father continues to show strength and good health.

Don Milo added that aside from living life with an abundance of love, he also tries to avoid anger and resentment to live a long and healthy life.

Who is the World's Oldest Man to Ever Live?

Although at 112 years old, Don Milo is considered to be the oldest man alive, there had been some men who managed to live longer than him. Before being declared as the current oldest man alive, there was Romania's Dumitru Comănescu, who died last year but managed to live for over 111 years old.

But according to Zee News, the oldest man to ever live was Japan's Jiroemon Kimura, who was born on April 19, 1897, and passed away at the age of 116 years and 54 days before passing away on June 12, 2013.

On the other hand, the Japanese woman based in Fukuoka, Japan, Kane Tanaka, was declared on February 12, 2020, as both the oldest female and person alive today. She was born on January 2, 1903, and is currently 118 years and 179 days old as of July 1, 2021.

Although based on history, the oldest person to ever live was the French Jeanne Calment, who managed to live for 122 years and 164 days old.

Check out more news and information on Longevity in Science Times.