Peru Claims to be Having World’s Oldest Person Born in 1900

Officials in Peru have claimed that the country has the world’s oldest ever person, a 124-year-old man born in 1900.

According to Peru’s government authorities, a local named Marcelino Abad from the central Peruvian region of Huanuco is 124.

“Among the tranquility of the flora and fauna of Huanuco, Marcelino Abad Tolentino or ‘Mashico’ developed a healthy way of life and inner peace, reflected in his good health and friendly personality,” the government said in a statement.

Peruvian authorities are now helping Abad apply to the Guinness World Records for independent verification.

Verifying the claim would involve official documents and other evidence being scrutinized by an expert team.

At present, the Guinness World Records mentions the oldest living man as a 111-year-old British citizen who got the title this month after the death of a Venezuelan man who was 114. The oldest living woman is 117, while the oldest person ever verified reached 122.

Abad, who was born in the small town of Chaglla, was identified by the Peruvian government in 2019. He celebrated his 124th birthday on April 5.

Abad says his secrets to vitality include a diet rich in fruits, as well in lamb meat. The centenarian also made a habit of chewing coca leaves, a tradition in Peru’s Andean communities.

Abad now lives in a home for seniors.