John Alfred Tinniswood, who held the title of the world’s oldest man for nearly nine months, has passed away at the age of 112. Tinniswood died in a care home near Liverpool, England, where he had spent his final years. His family confirmed the news in a statement, remembering him as a man who attributed his extraordinary longevity to “pure luck.”
Born on August 26, 1912, just a few months after the sinking of the Titanic, Tinniswood’s life spanned over a century of historical events, from the two World Wars to the rapid advancements in technology and society. He served in the British Army Pay Corps during World War II and lived through moments that shaped the modern world.
Tinniswood claimed the title of the world’s oldest man in April 2024, following the death of Juan Vicente Pérez of Venezuela, who passed away at 114. At the time, Tinniswood, a retired accountant and great-grandfather, described his longevity as a matter of luck. “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it,” he said in an interview with Guinness World Records.
When asked about the secret to his long life, Tinniswood stressed moderation as the 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 explained. He also revealed that he had never smoked, rarely drank, and maintained no special diet, except for his beloved weekly fish and chips.
Tinniswood’s passing marks the end of his brief reign as the world’s oldest living man, but his remarkable life is a testament to resilience and the unpredictability of aging. His family remembers him fondly, noting that he lived with a sense of calm and acceptance. “I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited over it,” Tinniswood said when he celebrated his 112th birthday in August. “That’s probably why I’ve reached it.”
Tinniswood is survived by his daughter Susan, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His wife of 44 years, Blodwen, passed away in 1986. Though Guinness World Records has not yet announced who will replace him as the new oldest living man, Tinniswood’s legacy as a living link to history will undoubtedly be remembered by those who knew him.
Sources By Agencies
