John Alfred Tinniswood, the world’s oldest living man, celebrated his 112th birthday on August 26, 2024. Born in the same year the Titanic sank, Tinniswood has witnessed over a century of history. A resident of Southport, England, Tinniswood’s remarkable longevity has captured the attention of the world.
John Alfred Tinniswood, the world’s oldest living man, just celebrated his 112th birthday in a care home in Southport, Merseyside. Born on August 26, 1912—the same year the Titanic sank—Tinniswood has lived through the tenure of 24 UK prime ministers and seen countless historical events.
Tinniswood attributes his long life to luck rather than a special diet or lifestyle. He enjoys simple pleasures like eating fish and chips every Friday and listening to the radio. Despite his age, he still manages many daily tasks independently, such as getting out of bed and handling his finances.
A lifelong Liverpool FC fan, Tinniswood was born just 20 years after the club was founded. He is also the world’s oldest surviving male World War II veteran, having worked in an administrative role during the war. After the war, he worked as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972.
Tinniswood’s advice for living a long life is simple: do everything in moderation. He reflects on his life with humility, saying he doesn’t feel any different despite his age and believes that taking things in stride has contributed to his longevity.
Commenting on what he thinks the world will look like in another 112 years, Tinniswood said: “Oh good lord. Well, I want to say more honesty between the various countries. They all put, including our own, all put on a bit of show now and again.”
Tinniswood’s Nemesis
Tinniswood is four years younger than the oldest woman and oldest person alive, Japan’s 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka. She claimed the title last week after the death of 117-year-old U.S.-born Maria Branyas Morera.
Tinniswood is also four years away from being the oldest man ever, a title held by Japan’s Jiroemon Kimura, who lived for 116 years between 1897 and 2013. The oldest person ever, Jeanne Calment from France, lived for 122 years between 1875 and 1997.
As one of the few remaining people born in the early 20th century, Tinniswood has experienced firsthand the significant events that have shaped the world. His life story offers a unique perspective on the passage of time and the human spirit.
