Challenging the record for 'world's oldest living survivor'... What is the secret to the 119-year-old man's longevity?

Jose Flores, a 119-year-old man from Costa Rica, is making a bid to be officially recognized as the world's oldest living person. His age, if verified by longevity research groups, would surpass the current record holder, 117-year-old British woman Ethel Cattanhach. The oldest person ever recorded, including deceased individuals, lived to be 122.

Flores, who resides in the Guanacaste province, has documented proof of his birth on July 11, 1907, including baptismal records. His family is actively gathering further documentation to submit for validation by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), an international longevity verification organization. A researcher from the University of Alicante in Spain noted that the records are very complete, including officially verified documents.

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Working a lot, relying on God, and eating healthily.

Having worked as a wage laborer his entire life, Flores maintains a relatively good state of health and adheres to a disciplined routine. He wakes daily at 6 a.m., prepares his own meals, and goes out with the aid of a walker. His diet includes traditional Costa Rican "gallo pinto" (rice and beans) with cheese and banana for breakfast, and a warm corn-based drink called "atol" in the evening.

When asked about the secret to his long life, Flores cited "working a lot, relying on God, and eating healthily." He lives in a region known for its high number of centenarians, though he spent most of his life living elsewhere in Costa Rica before returning to Guanacaste nearly a century later.

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There are very complete records, including officially verified documents.