Costa Rican man, 119, pursues oldest person title
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In Sardinal, Costa Rica, Jose Flores, age 119, is seeking official recognition as the world’s oldest man.
His family and local records support his age, but international organisations are reviewing historical documents to verify his birth date. Flores lives with his granddaughter, Hellen Flores, who cares for him and says his strong family connections contribute to his wellbeing. The town of Sardinal lies within the Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica known for the longevity of its residents.
People in this region attribute their long lives to factors including mineral-rich water, a diet of corn and beans, physical activity, and close community bonds. Jorge Vindas, founder of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association, emphasized the importance of family, spirituality, and physical activity in extending lifespans. The Association has gathered documents, including Flores’ birth and baptism certificates, to support his claim, and they are awaiting confirmation from Guinness World Records.
If verified, Flores would surpass Ethel Caterham of Britain, who was 117 years old in 2026, as the world’s oldest living person. Flores has a large family with eight children, 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, and his family believes recognition would bring pride to both them and Costa Rica.
