Costa Rica resident José Flores claims title of world's oldest man

José Flores, a resident of Sardinal in Costa Rica, is claiming the title of the world's oldest man. According to official documents and his identity card, Flores was born on July 11, 1907, making him 119 years old. While his age is supported by family and official records, international recognition is pending as experts review historical archives to verify his exact birth date.

Flores lives in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the five global “Blue Zones” where high rates of longevity are common. Local experts, including Jorge Vitas of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association, attribute the region's longevity to factors such as water rich in calcium and magnesium, a traditional diet of corn and beans, physical activity, spirituality, and strong social and family ties.

Flores, a former farmer, currently lives a quiet life supported by his granddaughter and caregiver, Helen Flores. He is surrounded by an extensive family including eight children, 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.