João Marinho Neto (born October 5, 1912) Today, at the age of 113, he is the oldest known living man in the world. He is a native of Brazil (Ceará state) and Guinness World Records confirmed his status after the death of the previous record holder, 112-year-old Briton John Tinniswood in November 2024. Neto was born in to the small village of Maranguape as the son of rural farmers, and already at the age of four he helped his father on a farm near Apuiarés. Living on a farm and working in nature were the foundation of his healthy life – over the years he grew corn and beans and raised livestock (cows, goats, pigs and chickens).
Early life and family
João grew up in a poor family in the mountainous region of Brazil. He moved with his parents to the rural area of Apuiarés (Ceará), where he worked in the fields as a child and took care of animals. He later married Josefa Albano dos Santos (1920–1994) and had four children with her (Antônio, José, Fátima and Vanda). After the death of his first wife, he had three more children (Vinícius, Jabas and Conceição) with his second partner. His family today includes seven children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Neto remained in the countryside all his life and, thanks to hard work, managed to establish a stable family farm with his own land and livestock.
Farm life and agriculture
He spent most of his life as a farmer and breeder of pigs, livestock and poultry on his estate “Fazenda Massapê” near Apuiarés. He followed in his father’s footsteps – he cultivated the land and grew food (eg corn and beans) and took care of animals (cows, goats, pigs, chicken). Although he survived numerous droughts and difficult conditions in the region during his life, working in the fresh air and a simple rural lifestyle helped him to stay in good shape. Today, Neto lives in the Retirement Home in Apuiarés, where he was carefully cared for at the age of 113.
Eating and health habits
Marinho Neto claims that most of her life she leads a modest and proper diet. It starts every morning with a cup of coffee and fruit – especially grapes, which are his favorite. Among the ingredients he likes the most are unrefined brown sugar (rapadura) and free-range chicken. His health is extremely strong – he does not take any medication and has never suffered from serious diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke or cancer. His only significant health problem is his blindness (and impaired hearing), which is why he eventually moved to the care of the Retirement Home. Despite this, his close colleagues and family pointed out that he is always cheerful, cheerful and cordial – he eats well, sleeps and socializes with others, while recognizing children by voice.
- Eating habits: Morning coffee, fruit (eg grapes), rapadura (unrefined brown sugar) and homemade chicken.
- Health condition: There are no chronic diseases, does not take medication and is maintained by active work in the fresh air.
The secret of a long life
He often says that Love for neighbors and optimism The key to its longevity. He stated that healways had nice people around” and that the environment of a good family and friends keeps him healthy and happy. In interviews, he jokes that he is now the oldest and the most handsome man in the world. However, experts warn that there is no miraculous formula – its longevity is the result of a combination of simple life, genetics and a positive attitude towards life.
Recognitions and records
Guinness Book of Records and LongevQuest have officially confirmed that João Marinho Neto has been the oldest living man in the world since November 2024. At the time of confirmation, he was 112 years and 52 days old, and since then he continued to break records – on November 28, 2025, he turned 113. This made him the oldest man ever from Brazil. In addition to age, it is interesting that he is the last known surviving man born in 1912. Guinness also published his title on social networks, which drew world attention to his unusual life story.
For the latest news about the oldest people in the world and about the lives of long-lived individuals, follow relevant sources such as Guinness World Records or reputable media. João Marinho Neto still inspires many with his life story and positive attitude towards life.
Cover photo: Samaucoin22, CC BY-SA 4.0, Via Wikimedia Commons