The world's oldest man dies

Jiroemon Kimura

April 19, 1897 -  June 12, 2013

Only a couple of days ago, I  wrote about the passing of our island's two super centenarians.
At the time, I was still in awe that the oldest man alive was 116 years old.
News of his death came unexpectedly, as I did not think it would follow so closely on the heels of  Mr. Sisnett and Ms. Clarke.
Jiroemon Kimura, the oldest man in the world died on Wednesday after undergoing treatment for a bout of pneumonia. 
Mr Kimura, from Kyotango in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, had seven children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grand children and 14 great-great grandchildren..
He was a postal employee for 40 years and  also a farmer at home, which he continued until he was 90 years old.
His life spanned three centuries, and he put his longevity down to getting out in the sun.
Kimura became the oldest man ever on Dec. 28, 2012, at the age of 115 years, 253 days, breaking the record set by Christian Mortensen, a Danish immigrant to the United States, whose life spanned from 1882-1998.

 

In this file photo taken Oct. 15, 2012 and released by Kyotango City, Jiroemon Kimura, center, poses with Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday, right, and Guinness World Records Asia-Pacific Representative Frank Foley after Kimura was presented with the certificate of the world's oldest living man at his home in the city, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Japanese media report that Kimura died of natural causes at a hospital in Kyotango early Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at the age of 116. (AP Photo/Kyotango City, File) EDITORIAL USE ONLY ( Uncredited )  
His age was fully authenticated by Guinness World Records, "As the only man to have ever lived for 116 years."
He was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person, the oldest living man and the oldest man ever. 
 
The title of oldest living person is now held by another Japanese, 115-year-old Misao Okawa, of Osaka, who was born on March 5, 1898.

City officials in Kyotango have launched a research project to examine the diets of its population to find the secrets of their longevity.

According to 2011 government data, Japan  has more than 50,000 centenarians.

I found an interesting article on longevity here.