Peru claims to have the world's oldest people

Peru's Andean Mountains may hold the secret to longevity and the world's oldest people if new claims by government officials about a 124-year-old man born in 1900 prove true.

The Peruvian government announced that Marcelino Abad of Huanuco region, Central Peru is 124 years old , making him the oldest person alive and even topping the list of oldest people ever verified.

Mr. Marcelino Abad on his 124th birthday. (Source: Reuters).

'Amid the peaceful environment of Huanuco, Mr. Marcelino Abad Tolentino has led a healthy and calm lifestyle, reflected in his good health and friendly personality. This helped him overcome 12 decades of life and on April 5, he just blew out 124 candles" - the Peruvian Government said.

Peruvian authorities are helping Mr. Abad apply for Guinness World Records certification for independent verification.

A Guinness spokesperson said: 'Guinness World Records receives many applications from individuals claiming to be the longest living person. Verification of the claim will involve official documents and other evidence scrutinized by a team of experts to prove their achievement is credible."

Guinness World Records now lists the oldest living man as a 111-year-old Briton - who received the title in the month following the death of a Venezuelan man aged 114. Woman receives title The oldest living person is now 117 years old, after his predecessor passed away at the age of 122.

Mr. Abad, born in the small town of Chaglla, had no identification documents until the Peruvian government identified him in 2019, providing him with an identification card and pension.

According to a statement released by the pension program that Mr. Abad participates in, on the occasion of his 124th birthday on April 5, Mr. Abad revealed that the secret to his long life is the implementation of the regime. Diet rich in fruit and lamb. The over-hundred-year-old man also has the habit of chewing coca leaves - a tradition in the Andean community in Peru. Mr. Abad is currently living in a home for the elderly, where he was given a special birthday celebration.