World's oldest man João Marinho Neto celebrates 113th birthday in Brazil
Happy 113th birthday to João Marinho Neto, the world’s oldest man.
The Brazilian is celebrating the massive milestone today with a big party his loved ones planned for him.
João has been loving life ever since he was named the oldest man living in November last year, following the death of the UK’s John Tinniswood at age 112.
João was 112 years 52 days old at the time, as confirmed by LongeviQuest.
He was born in Maranguape, Ceará, Brazil, on 5 October 1912 and is now the last surviving man who was born that year.
João on his 110th birthday
João was born into a family of farmers and later moved with his parents to a rural area of Apuiarés.
By the time he turned four, he was out working with his father in the fields, taking care of the cattle and harvesting fruit.
João went on to marry Josefa Albano dos Santos (1920–1994), and they welcomed four children together - Antônio, José, Fátima, and Vanda.
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He later welcomed three more children - Vinícius, Jarbas, and Conceição – with partner Antonia Rodrigues Moura.
João with some loved ones
He has six living children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
João previously said the secret to long life was to surround yourself with good people and keep your loved ones close by.
As of 1 October, João became the 26th oldest man to ever live.
Experts at LongeviQuest, keepers of a database tracking the world’s oldest residents, recently told us how much João loves informing people: “There are no men older than me, just women!”
He also recently wished the world’s oldest woman Ethel Caterham (UK) a happy birthday, with his family making him a special picture to pose with.
João wishing Ethel a happy birthday
His granddaughter Valéria said João was excited when he heard about the occasion and said in Portuguese: “Ethel, Happy Birthday 116!”
This was the first known communication between the world’s oldest man and world’s oldest woman during their reigns.
LongeviQuest also recently helped us understand why the world’s oldest person is hardly ever a man and why women live longer.
Pictures courtesy of João’s family via LongeviQuest