CARACAS MOURNS THE DEATH OF WORLD’S OLDEST MAN AT 114 YEARS OLD
In a somber moment for Caracas, the world’s oldest man, Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, has passed away at the age of 114, just shy of his 115th birthday.
Guinness World Records confirmed the news, highlighting Pérez Mora’s incredible journey through history: “After living through both World Wars, witnessing the invention of the television, and even surviving COVID-19 in 2020.”
Recognized by Guinness World Records in 2022 at the age of 112 years and 253 days, Pérez Mora made history as Venezuela’s oldest citizen and the first South American man to hold the title of oldest living man.
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, expressed his admiration for Pérez Mora’s long and impactful life: “It’s been an honor to recognize and celebrate the incredibly long life of Venezuela’s first ever fully authenticated supercentenarian man.”
Glenday marveled at the timeline of Pérez Mora’s life, stating, “How remarkable to think that we’ve just said goodbye to a man born before Louis Bleriot flew across the English Channel!”
Born on 27 May 1909 in Venezuela, Pérez Mora lived in Táchira state and leaves behind a legacy of 11 children, 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Táchira Governor Freddy Bernal described Pérez Mora as an embodiment of Tachirense values, noting his humility, hard work, and dedication to family and tradition.
President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela also honored Pérez Mora’s memory, offering condolences to his family and the people of El Cobre, Táchira state.
When awarded the Guinness World Record title, Pérez Mora attributed his longevity to a simple yet profound mantra: “working hard, resting on holidays, going to bed early, drinking a glass of aguardiente every day, loving God, and always carrying him in his heart.”
The title of the next oldest living man is expected to go to 112-year-old Gisaburo Sonobe of Japan, pending confirmation from his family and the Gerontology Research Group.
