World’s oldest man dies at 114
MANILA, Philippines — The world’s oldest man died at the age of 114, said the Guinness World Records on Wednesday.
Juan Vicente Pérez’s death was confirmed by the governor of Táchira, Venezuela Freddy Bernal through Twitter on the morning of April 3 (Manila time).
Nuestro querido Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, hoy con profunda tristeza y dolor nos despedimos de usted, de ese arquetipo de hombre tachirense, humilde, trabajador, apacible, entusiasta de la familia y la tradición. pic.twitter.com/ohiPzrsWgD
— Freddy Bernal (@FreddyBernal) April 3, 2024
Born on May 27, 1909, Pérez would have turned 115 next month.
According to the Guinness World Records, Pérez was announced as the oldest man on February 4, 2022 when he was 112 years and 253 days old.
At 114, Pérez lived through both World Wars and even the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working hard, Aguardiente
“He attributed his longevity to ‘working hard, resting on holidays, going to bed early, drinking a glass of aguardiente (a type of distilled alcoholic spirit) every day, loving God, and always carrying him in his heart’,” the Guinness World Records said in a statement.
He was married to Ediofina del Rosario García for 60 years until her passing in 1997.
Together, Pérez and García had six sons and five daughters, and then 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Meanwhile, the Guinness World Records said the next oldest living man is expected to be 112-year-old Gisaburo Sonobe of Japan, pending confirmation from his family.
