World's oldest human? Peru claims centenarian resident was born in 1900, just turned 124

Marcelino Abad, a resident of Huanuco in Peru, is reportedly 124-years-old. (Image: @johnsalbric04/X)

In the cradle of Peru's majestic Andean mountains lies a secret, or so the government officials claim. Marcelino Abad, a local resident of the central Peruvian region of Huanuco, is reportedly an astonishing 124 years old and the oldest living human. If validated, this would catapult him as the oldest living person on record - born in 1900.

"Among the tranquility 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 government stated.

Peruvian authorities have thrown their weight behind Abad's claim, assisting him in the process of applying to Guinness World Records for independent verification. "Guinness World Records receives many applications from individuals who claim to be the oldest living person," said a spokesperson in a statement to Reuters.

Verifying Abad's remarkable feat will entail a rigorous examination of official documents and other corroborative evidence by a panel of experts.

Currently, the Guinness World Records recognizes a 111-year-old Briton as the oldest living man, a title he inherited following the passing of a 114-year-old Venezuelan. The reigning oldest living woman is aged 117, while the oldest person ever verified reached the ripe age of 122.

Abad's journey from obscurity to the limelight began when the Peruvian government found him in 2019, affording him a government ID and pension. Hailing from the quaint town of Chaglla, Abad's existence remained largely under the radar until this pivotal discovery.

Celebrating his supposed 124th birthday on April 5, Abad shared insights into his lifestyle, attributing his vitality to a diet rich in fruits and lamb meat, as per a statement issued by the pension program he is affiliated with. Additionally, the centenarian confessed to a habit of chewing coca leaves, a cultural tradition ingrained in Peru's Andean communities.

Today, Abad resides in a home for seniors, where he was treated to a grand celebration for his momentous birthday. The festivities included a specially crafted birthday cake adorned with a figurine bearing his likeness, a testament to his enduring legacy and the marvel of his longevity.