British Man’s Passing
Following the recent passing of John Tinniswood, the previous holder of the title, 112-year-old João Marinho Neto from Ceará, Brazil, has emerged as a potential candidate for the world’s oldest man.
João Marinho Neto’s Life Journey
Born on October 5, 1912, in Maranguape, a city in the metropolitan area of Fortaleza, João Marinho Neto hails from a farming family that relocated to the rural region of Apuiarés when he was still young. He has fathered seven children, one of whom has since passed away, and boasts 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Becoming Latin America’s Oldest Man
According to LongeviQuest, a renowned research group tracking supercentenarians worldwide, João Marinho Neto, then 111, was recognized as Latin America’s oldest man in April 2024, after the demise of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Pérez Mora from Venezuela. The mantle of the world’s oldest man was bestowed upon him on Monday, following the death of John Tinniswood, aged 112.
The Guinness World Records expressed their condolences for the loss of Tinniswood, stating, “Guinness World Records is saddened to learn that John Tinniswood, the world’s oldest man, has passed away at the age of 112 […] Our thoughts are with the family at this time,” (translated from Portuguese).
João Marinho Neto currently resides in a nursing home in Apuiarés due to a vision issue, which his family notes is his only health concern.
“He lives there and lives quite naturally, eats well, sleeps well, talks, understands everything, knows everyone. He recognizes his children by their voices,” said Marcos Vinícius, João Marinho Neto’s son.
“He is a cheerful, happy man, who welcomes everyone well, very polite, very good with everyone, and lives his life normally at the nursing home, very well cared for,” his son emphasized.
Marcos also mentioned that the family is overjoyed with the title of “the world’s oldest man.” “We are really very happy. Everyone is happy, everyone is enjoying this happiness of having a father with this title,” Marcos added.
João Marinho Neto himself is aware of his remarkable achievement. “He talks to me a lot about it; he asks, ‘Is there anyone else my age?’ Then I say no, I don’t know,” Marcos said.
