Costa Rican man, 119, reveals longevity secrets as he seeks recognition as world’s oldest person

Costa Rican man, 119, reveals longevity secrets as he seeks recognition as world’s oldest person Jose Flores is pushing to be recognised as the oldest person in the world - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments In the warm town of Sardinal, a 20-minute drive from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Jose Flores passes his days in a modest wooden home, taking naps, sharing meals cooked by his granddaughter, and engaging in friendly arm-wrestling matches with her. Official records and family documentation show that Flores is 119 years old - a claim that would make him the world's oldest living man, pending formal international verification as experts examine historical evidence. Sardinal sits on the Nicoya Peninsula, recognised as one of five global Blue Zones where residents frequently enjoy longer, healthier lives and have a higher likelihood of reaching centenarian status. Local longevity is commonly credited to water rich in calcium and magnesium, a daily diet centred on corn and beans, a history of manual work, and deep-rooted family and social connections. Having spent his working years in the countryside, Flores now lives "calmly and happily." according to his granddaughter and carer, Hellen Flores. He occasionally recounts tales from his past, shares jokes, and considers family to be central to his remarkable lifespan. "Without love, without affection, without care, he would not still be here," she said. Jorge Vindas, who founded the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association to study regional longevity, points to additional elements behind such extraordinary lifespans. Flores' identity card records his birth date as July 11, 1907. "Family and social networks are number one, along with spirituality and the strong faith of these people, who are very physically active," Vindas said. He added that residents maintain healthy diets alongside quiet, low-stress routines. Addressing the validation process, Vindas explained that the association holds historical records that require official confirmation from global bodies, including Guinness World Records. "We have a large number of documents, from the birth certificate and baptism certificate to documents from later in life, when he was already a father and beyond," he said. "Once all that documentation is reviewed, we hope it will be validated and that we will have good news soon." While the verification continues, Flores' relatives are awaiting a decision that Hellen Flores believes holds significance far beyond their household. "It would be a source of pride, both for the family and for the country," she said. A father of eight, Flores is also grandfather to 23, great-grandfather to 25, and has one great-great-granddaughter. Currently, the world's oldest living person is Britain's Ethel Caterham. Born in Hampshire, England, on August 21, 1909, she reached the age of 117 in 2026, assuming the title after Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas died in April 2025. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments