World's oldest man passes away aged 112
The world's oldest man has passed away aged 112.
John Alfred Tinniswood held the title of world's oldest man for nine months and marked his 112th birthday during his reign, which sadly came to an end on Monday when he passed away in a care home northwest England near Liverpool.
His family confirmed his death in a statement, saying that the centenarian spent his final day "surrounded by music and love".
Tinniswood, who was born on 26 August 1912, the same year the Titanic sank, became the UK’s oldest man in 2020.
In April 2024, he was recognised as the world's oldest man by the Guinness Book of Records.
Tinniswood, who worked as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972, attributed his longevity to "pure luck".
"You either live long or you live short, and you can't do much about it," the great-grandfather told the Guinness World Records in April.
He also said that moderation was key to a healthy life. He never smoked, rarely drank and followed no special diet, apart from his ritual of having fish and chips every Friday.
"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," Tinniswood said.
His family also said the great-grandfather had an "active retirement", volunteering as a church elder in Blundellsands United Reform Church where he also gave sermons.
They have paid tribute to him, saying: "We would like to thank the many people in the UK and across the world who sent well wishes to John on his recent birthdays.
"He really appreciated these birthday greetings and other messages of support."
"John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf , [we] thank all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies care home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist and other NHS staff."
Tinniswood lived through two world wars and served in the British Army Pay Corps in World War II.
He is survived by his daughter Susan, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The world's oldest living woman, and oldest living person, is Japan's Tomiko Itooka, who is currently 116.
Image: Instagram/ Guinness World Records