Peruvian Centenarian Claims Title of World’s Oldest Living Person with Help from Government

Marcelino Abad, a 124-year-old man from Peru, is currently applying to the Guinness World Records for the oldest living person in the world. The government of Peru has assisted him in the process, as they do with many individuals who make such claims. Abad, who lives in the tranquil region of Huanuco, has led a healthy life and recently celebrated his 124th birthday on April 5.

The verification process for Abad’s claim involves scrutinizing official documents and evidence to confirm his age beyond a doubt. Currently, the oldest living man in the world according to Guinness World Records is an 111-year-old Briton, while the oldest living woman is 117. However, if Abad’s claim is verified, he could potentially become the oldest living person in the world.

Abad attributes his longevity to a diet rich in fruits and lamb meat, as well as a tradition of chewing coca leaves common in Peru’s Andean communities. He was previously living off the radar in a small town until he was identified by the government in 2019 and received a government ID and pension. Now residing in a home for seniors, Abad was honored with a special celebration featuring a birthday cake with a figurine in his likeness on his recent birthday.