World's oldest man, 111, says weekly fish and chips are key to his long life
A British great-grandfather who recently became the world’s oldest man has said his weekly fish and chips are the key to his longevity.
John Tinniswood, aged 111, said his long life is largely down to consuming the British staple meal and taking “everything in moderation”.
The World War II veteran, who lives in a care home in Southport, Merseyside, took the title this week following the death of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Perez, from Venezuela, and the death of 112-year-old Gisaburō Sonobe from Japan.
Mr Tinniswood was born in 1912, the same year the Titanic made its maiden voyage. He has since survived two world wars and a global pandemic.
He met the late Queen Elizabeth II twice, and he was sent a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla last year.
He is due to turn 112 on Aug 2 and said the day of his wedding to Blodwen Tinniswood, in 1942, was his most precious memory.
They met at a dance during the war and were married for 44 years until she died in 1986.
Before his retirement in 1972, the father of one worked as an accountant for Shell and BP.
When asked what his secret was to become a supercentenarian, Mr Tinniswood told The Sun: “Moderation in all things and keep on moving about. To sit down in a chair all day is no good.”
In 2019 he told The Mirror: “Fish and chips have got to be my favourite dish, it’s always been such a treat, and I think looking forward to my next visit to the chippy has kept me young. I feel the same now as I did when I was in my 80s, nothing has changed really.”
He added: “Now I get to have my favourite once a week here so I always look forward to a Friday.”
Mr Tinniswood became the oldest known living man in the UK following the death of 108-year-old Harry Fransman on September 25 2020.
His family said he was taking his new title “with a pinch of salt” owing to his modesty.
They said in a statement: “We are incredibly proud of John, who is a wonderful and much loved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, and we are very lucky that John is with us today.
“Being alive at 111 is testimony to his resilience, love for life, good humour and amazing survival instinct.
“We would also like to thank John’s carers at the Hollies care home for taking such good care of him.”
John’s new world title was verified by LongeviQuest, the global directory on longevity.
Dr. Andrew Holmes, co-founder of the European Supercentenarian Organisation, said: “It’s an incredible achievement to have reached such an age and become the oldest living man in the world.
“Thanks to his family, his age has been fully validated by LongeviQuest and the European Supercentenarian Organisation.”
Maria Morena, who lives in Spain, is the world’s oldest living person at 117.
