RismadarVoice Reporters
September 10, 2026
A 119-year-old Costa Rican man, Jose Flores, is seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest living person, with experts currently reviewing historical documents to verify his reported date of birth.
Flores, a former farmer from Sardinal in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, is backed by family members and official records that indicate he was born on July 11, 1907. If verified, his age would place him among the oldest people ever documented and could make him the world’s oldest living man.
The verification process involves reviewing documents including his birth certificate, baptism records and other historical records from different stages of his life. The documents are expected to be examined by international organisations, including Guinness World Records, before any official recognition is granted.
Flores lives in the Nicoya Peninsula, a region recognised as one of the world’s “Blue Zones,” where residents are known for high rates of longevity. Researchers and local experts have linked long life in the area to factors such as traditional diets, physical activity, strong family connections and low-stress lifestyles.
His granddaughter and caregiver, Hellen Flores, said her grandfather continues to live a calm and happy life surrounded by family. She attributed his longevity to love, care and a strong family bond.
Flores, who spent much of his life working in rural areas, has eight children, 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
While the verification process continues, the title of the world’s oldest living person remains with Britain’s Ethel Caterham, who was 117 years old in 2026.
