LIMA: As per claims made by the Peruvian government, Marcelino Abad, a resident of Huanuco in central Peru, is 124 years old, making him the oldest known living person and possibly the oldest human ever to be independently verified. The world’s oldest person was born in the 1900s, and the Andes mountains may be the key to his incredibly long existence.
The government has stated that among the tranquillity of the flora and fauna of Huanuco, Marcelino Abad Tolentino or ‘Mashico’ developed a healthy way of life and inner peace, reflected in his good health and friendly personality. The authorities added that this has given him the resilience and skill to overcome 12 decades of life and on April 5th he blew out 124 candles. Peruvian authorities say they are helping Abad apply to the Guinness World Records for independent verification.
A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records has said that the company receives many applications from people who claim to be the oldest living person. The claim verification involves official documents and other evidence being scrutinized by a team of experts to prove them beyond doubt.
According to Guinness World Records, the oldest living male is a 111-year-old Briton. This month, he was given the title after a 114-year-old Venezuelan man passed away. The oldest woman alive was 117 years old, and the oldest verified individual was 122 years old.
Abad was born in the small community of Chaglla and lived a tranquil life until the Peruvian government recognized him in 2019. After that, he was given an official ID and pension. In a statement issued by the pension scheme he is a part of, Abad, who turned 124 on April 5, says that one of the secrets to his energy is consuming a diet rich in fruits and lamb meat.
The centenarian also invented the ritual of chewing coca leaves, which is still followed by Peruvian Andean communities today. Currently residing in an assisted living home, Abad was treated to a sumptuous birthday celebration this month, which included a cake decorated with a miniature version of himself.
