Costa Rica: At 119 Years Old According to His Documents, José Flores Aims for World Longevity Record

José Flores could become the oldest man in the world if international experts validate the documents that attribute 119 years to him. This former agricultural worker lives in Sardinal, in the Costa Rican province of Guanacaste.

According to civil records and family documents reviewed by Reuters, José Flores was born on July 11, 1907. His family and local officials are preparing a file for the organizations responsible for verifying longevity records.

This process is not limited to presenting an identity card. It must establish an unbroken link between birth certificates, administrative documents, and the candidate’s personal history. At this stage, José Flores’s age is supported by Costa Rican documents, but it has not yet been recognized internationally.

The man has spent most of his life in the Nicoya Peninsula, a region often associated with high longevity. Reuters reports that he has worked in the fields and currently lives with his family. His life reflects a rural lifestyle characterized by physical activity, a traditional diet, and close family ties, with no single factor explaining his longevity.

The official title of the oldest person in the world currently belongs to British citizen Ethel Caterham, who celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21, 2026, according to Guinness World Records. José Flores could only claim this status after the verification process is completed.