London— The world has lost its oldest living man, John Alfred Tinniswood, who passed away at the age of 112 at his care home in Southport, northwest England. Tinniswood's family confirmed his death, stating it occurred on Monday, as reported by Guinness World Records.
Tinniswood, who was born on August 26, 1912, recently took the title of the world’s oldest man this past April after the death of 114-year-old Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez. The statement from his family celebrated his final moments as filled with music and love, expressing gratitude for the care he had received over the years.
He lived through significant historical events, including both World Wars, and was alive during the sinking of the Titanic. Tinniswood often humorously attributed his long life to “pure luck.” He offered some playful wisdom, commenting, “You either live long or you live short, and you can't do much about it.” Yet, he did have some advice for longevity— moderation was key. "If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much, if you do too much of anything, you're going to suffer eventually,” he noted.
Throughout his life, Tinniswood held various positions, including during World War Two when he worked as part of the Royal Army Pay Corps. After his service, he transitioned to work for oil giants Shell and BP, where he continued to contribute to the workforce until retirement.
Despite his many accomplishments, one of his greatest joys seemed to revolve around football. A lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club, Tinniswood’s passion for the team was evident, and he proudly embraced his local heritage. He was known to indulge his taste buds every Friday with his favorite meal: fish and chips, which he claimed was another secret to his long life.
Robbie Sykes, one of the staff members at the care home where Tinniswood lived, remembered him fondly, referring to him as a "big chatterbox" who brought joy and laughter to the facility. His legacy not only lives on through his family but also through the delightful memories he created and shared with both staff and fellow residents.
At the time of Tinniswood's passing, the title of the oldest living woman is held by Japan's Tomiko Itooka, who is currently 116 years old. This stark difference highlights the extraordinary journeys of longevity among the world's oldest citizens. Tinniswood's remarkable life serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the enduring human spirit.
