World's Oldest Man Celebrates His Birthday Today
The man who was recently recognised as the world’s oldest living person has celebrated his birthday today.
Juan Vicente Pérez, from Venezuela, was officially named the world’s living person by Guinness World Records earlier this month.
Juan became the oldest living person after the previous record holder died in January at the age of 112.
Juan was born on 27 May 1909, which now makes him 113-years-old. He spent 60 years happily married to wife, Ediofina del Rosario García, who sadly passed away in 1997.
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The couple had 11 children and Juan now has 41 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. He will celebrate his birthday surrounded by family and friends.
Speaking to Guinness World Records earlier this month, his daughter Nelyda Perez said: "My dad is in very good health. He does not suffer from any disease that requires medical treatment.
"The next day after resting, he says he wakes up very well. The whole family is very grateful for my daddy's health."
When he was just five-years-old, Juan’s family moved to Los Pajuiles, a village in San José de Bolivar, and he began working alongside his brothers and dad harvesting coffee and sugar cane.
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He and his brother created a wooden mill, which helped boost production of the crops meaning they were able to buy a bigger machine and increase production further.
When he was 10 Juan started to attend school, but it was short-lived and he left after just five months when his teacher became ill.
In 1948 Juan, alongside his work in agriculture, became a sheriff in Caricuena where he helped to settle land and family disputes.
When not working, Juan would spend time with his young family.
Speaking about his secret to longevity, Juan says: “Work hard, rest on holidays, go to bed early, drink a glass of aguardiente every day, love God, and always carry him in your heart."
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Aguardiente is an anise-flavoured Spanish and Portuguese liquor - in case you fancy stocking up.
Juan’s doctor says he is in good health, aside from some hearing problems and a slightly raised blood pressure.
His family say Juan would like to be remembered as a working man who was faithful to his wife and his religion.
His nephew Fredy Abreu said: "My uncle Vicente transmits a lot of peace, tranquility and radiates a lot of joy. He is a person who has a lot to give. He enjoys the basics of life and is very grateful to God. His family is his support."
Topics: World News, Guinness World Record
Claire Reid