The world’s oldest person, John Alfred Tinniswood, has turned 112 in a nursing home in Merseyside. According to The Guardian, Tinniswood, who was born in 1912, attributes his longevity to simple good fortune and a simple routine: eating fish and chips every Friday.
Earlier this year, Tinniswood became the world’s oldest man following the death of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Pérez from Venezuela. Already the UK’s oldest man since 2020, Tinniswood reflected on his rich life experiences and offered advice to the younger generation.
Lifelong Liverpool FC fan and war veteran
Tinniswood is an avid Liverpool football fan, born in the city just 20 years after the club was founded. He has witnessed most of Liverpool FC’s major triumphs, including eight FA Cup wins. He met his wife Bradwen at a dance in Liverpool and was married to her for 44 years until her death in 1986. The couple had a daughter, Susan, born in 1943, making Tinniswood now a great-grandfather.
During World War II, Tinniswood served as an administrator in the Army Pay Corps, making him the world’s oldest surviving male veteran of that conflict. After the war, he worked as an accountant for companies such as Shell and BP, retiring in 1972. Even at this age, Tinniswood lives an independent life: he manages his own finances, keeps up to date with the news by listening to the radio, and can even get out of bed without help.
Reflections on longevity and life changes
Speaking about his own longevity, Tinniswood said: “You either live a long life or you live a short life and there’s not much you can do about it. I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited about it. Maybe that’s why I’ve reached that age. I just take it in stride, like anything else. I have no idea why I’ve lived so long. I don’t think there’s any special secret. I was quite active when I was younger, I walked a lot. I don’t know if that has anything to do with it. But for me, it doesn’t change me. Absolutely not.”
He stressed that moderation may be the secret to a long life, saying: “I eat what I’m given and so does everyone else. I’m not on any special diet. If you drink too much, eat too much, walk too much or do too much of anything, eventually you’re going to suffer.”
Witnessing a century of change and giving advice to the younger generation
Tinniswood received birthday cards from the late Queen for 10 years, beginning on his 100th birthday in 2012. He has seen 24 British prime ministers through their terms.
When asked how the world has changed, Tinniswood replied: “The world is always changing in that sense. It’s kind of a continuing experience. It’s getting a little bit better, but not quite there yet. It’s moving in the right direction.”
Tinniswood offered this advice to the younger generation: “Whether you’re learning something or teaching someone else, always do your best. Give it your all. If you’re not, it’s not worth doing.”
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