World’s oldest man says ‘it’s just luck’ as he celebrates 112th birthday

John Alfred Tinniswood, the world’s oldest living man, celebrated his 112th birthday at his care home in Southport, Merseyside. Remarkably humble about his longevity, Tinniswood attributes his long life to nothing more than “just luck” and a simple weekly tradition of eating fish and chips every Friday.

Born in 1912, the same year the Titanic sank, Tinniswood has witnessed over a century of history, living through the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the technological revolution.

Earlier this year, he became the world’s oldest living man, succeeding 114-year-old Juan Vicente Pérez of Venezuela, who passed away in April. Prior to that, Tinniswood had already been recognized as the UK’s oldest man, a title he has held since 2020.

A passionate Liverpool football fan, Tinniswood was born in the city just 20 years after the club’s founding. His life has spanned almost the entire history of Liverpool FC, from its early years to its greatest triumphs, including eight FA Cup victories and numerous league championships.

In his personal life, Tinniswood met his wife, Blodwen, at a dance in Liverpool, and the couple enjoyed 44 years together before her passing in 1986. Their daughter, Susan, was born in 1943, and Tinniswood now enjoys the company of his great-grandchildren.

Tinniswood served in the Army Pay Corps during World War II, making him the world’s oldest surviving male veteran of the conflict. After the war, he worked as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972.

Reflecting on his extraordinary lifespan, Tinniswood remains modest. He believes there’s no secret formula to his longevity, though he recalls being quite active in his younger days, often walking long distances.

However, he doesn’t believe this is the sole reason for his long life. “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it,” he said after becoming a Guinness World Record holder earlier this year.

Tinniswood’s philosophy on life is one of moderation. “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 remarked, adding that he eats the same food as everyone else and follows no special diet.

Since turning 100 in 2012, Tinniswood received a birthday card from the late Queen Elizabeth II every year. He outlived her reign, despite her being born almost 14 years after him. Throughout his life, he has witnessed the tenures of 24 UK prime ministers.

When asked about the changes he has seen in the world, Tinniswood reflected with a balanced perspective: “The world, in its way, is always changing. It’s a sort of ongoing experience … It’s getting a little better but not all that much yet. It’s going the right way.”

For the younger generations, Tinniswood offers simple yet profound advice: “Always do the best you can, whether you’re learning something or whether you’re teaching someone. Give it all you’ve got. Otherwise, it’s not worth bothering with.”