Koide was born on March 13, 1903, and worked as a tailor. He became the oldest man with the death of Sakari Momoi of Tokyo in July at age 112. PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
When inquired about the secret to a long happy life, 112 year old Yasutaro Koide, from the Japanese city of Nagoya, who is now officially the oldest man in the world, replied: “Not to overdo.”
Koide was officially recognised as the world’s oldest man on Friday by Guinness. Local reports claim he is able to read and write without needing glasses and recommends enjoying life and avoiding drinking and smoking for a long healthy life, whilst adding that his favourite food is bread.
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Born on March 13, 1903, Koide attended a ceremony in his honour at a nursing home where he was awarded a plaque and a green vase. He beamed amid tears when attendees, which included his seven children and two of his grandchildren and one great grandchild, applauded for him.
His granddaughter is reported to have said her grandfather was very strict about manners but has become mellow with age.
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"He was very stubborn, but he got nicer with age," she said. "His lifestyle is one that avoids stress."
Japan reportedly has 54,000 centenarians, and considering the large number of elderly in the country, the government is thinking of putting an end to the age old tradition of presenting an ornate sake dish, along with a congratulatory letter from the prime minister, to each person that makes it to a century.
The world’s oldest woman is Susannah Mushatt Jones of Brooklyn, New York, who turned 116 on Monday.
This article originally appeared on Associated Press
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