Mon 14 September 2026:
José Flores’ age is awaiting international verification as records suggest he was born in 1907
In a modest wooden house in Sardinal, Costa Rica, 119-year-old José Flores spends his days resting, enjoying meals cooked by his granddaughter and occasionally arm-wrestling with her.
Family members and official documents indicate that Flores was born in 1907, potentially making him the world’s oldest living man. However, his age has yet to receive international confirmation as specialists examine historical records.
Life in a Costa Rican Blue Zone
Sardinal lies on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of five regions around the world commonly designated as Blue Zones, where residents have unusually high rates of longevity and are more likely to live beyond 100.
Locals point to several factors they believe contribute to long lives, including water rich in calcium and magnesium, a traditional diet centered on corn and beans, physically demanding work, and close family and community relationships.
A Costa Rican man believed to be 119 years old could become the world’s oldest living man as specialists review historical records to verify his age https://t.co/7ZBZBgtIOp pic.twitter.com/rIDm3JYRhK
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 12, 2026
Hellen Flores, José’s granddaughter and caregiver, said her grandfather spent most of his life working in the countryside and now lives “calmly and happily.”
She said he still occasionally remembers stories from his past, tells jokes and credits his family as one of the reasons for his long life.
“Without love, without affection, without care, he would not still be here,” she said.
Records Under International Review
Jorge Vindas, founder of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association, which researches longevity in the region, said Flores’ case could be explained by several characteristics commonly found among long-lived residents.
Flores’ identity card states that he was born on 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 also highlighted healthy eating habits and relatively peaceful, low-stress lifestyles as contributing factors.
Vindas said the association has gathered historical documentation that still needs to be authenticated by international organizations, 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.”
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Family Awaits Possible World Record
While the verification process continues, Flores’ relatives are waiting to learn whether his remarkable age will receive international recognition.
“It would be a source of pride, both for the family and for the country,” Hellen Flores said.
Flores has eight children, along with 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
The world’s oldest living person is currently Ethel Caterham of Britain. Born on August 21, 1909, in Hampshire, England, she turned 117 in 2026.
Caterham became the world’s oldest living person following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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