Brazilian supercentenarian João Marinho Neto marks 114th birthday

João Marinho Neto marked his 114th birthday this week, retaining his status as the world’s oldest living man as recognized by Guinness World Records. The Brazilian national celebrated the milestone alongside family members while maintaining a unique connection with another global supercentenarian.

Global exchange of greetings

The occasion coincided with the birthday of Ken Weeks, an Australian resident who turned 113 and holds the title of the second-oldest living man in the world. Despite the approximately 14,000-kilometer distance separating Brazil and Australia, the two men chose to observe their birthdays together through a personal exchange.

Neto and Weeks shared photographs and greeting cards, each holding a message addressed to the other. This interaction created a rare visual moment linking the two most elderly male individuals on the planet across continents.

A century of historical change

Born on October 5, 1912, in the Brazilian city of Maringá, Neto has lived through more than eleven decades of significant global transformation. His lifespan spans major historical events ranging from the two World Wars to the advent of television, the technological revolution, and the current era of artificial intelligence.

Family ties and longevity secrets

Neto spent his birthday surrounded by his extensive family network, which includes eight children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three members of the fifth generation. When asked about the secret behind his exceptional age, he did not cite a complex regimen or specific health formula.

Instead, he attributed his long life to the people around him. Neto emphasized that having good-natured individuals nearby and keeping loved ones close to his heart were among the most important factors in his journey through life.