João Marinho Neto, a Brazilian supercentenarian, has officially become the world’s oldest living man, celebrating an extraordinary 113 years of life. Born in 1912 in Maranguape, Brazil, Neto’s life spans more than a century of global history and personal achievement. On October 5, 2025, he marked this milestone surrounded by family and loved ones, with Guinness World Records sharing heartwarming glimpses of the celebration on Instagram. Neto’s longevity reflects a life shaped by hard work, resilience, and an active lifestyle rooted in his farming background. Beyond his age, his story embodies the enduring power of family, strong community ties, and perseverance, inspiring people worldwide with a living testament to vitality and the human spirit.
World’s oldest living man João Marinho Neto: Early life and farming roots in 1912 Brazil
Born in 1912 in Maranguape, Brazil, João Marinho Neto entered the world at a time when the country was predominantly rural, and life was defined by agriculture and manual labor. He was born into a family of farmers and began assisting his father in the fields at just four years old. This early exposure to physical work instilled habits of discipline, endurance, and activity—factors Neto often credits for his long life. Growing up in the countryside, he learned the value of hard work and the importance of staying connected to nature, which became a cornerstone of his lifestyle.Guinness World Records officially recognized João Marinho Neto as the world’s oldest living man when he was 112 years and 52 days old. This recognition confirmed that he was the last surviving man born in 1912, placing him in a rare category of supercentenarians whose lives span more than a century. Neto’s longevity is not only remarkable for its duration but also for the historical and cultural eras he has witnessed—from the early 20th century in Brazil to the modern digital age.
World’s oldest living man: How activity and family shaped a 113-year life
Neto’s extraordinary lifespan is closely tied to his lifelong engagement in physical labor. He worked tirelessly in agriculture for decades, a lifestyle that kept him active and mentally engaged. Studies on supercentenarians often emphasize the role of regular physical activity, balanced diet, and purposeful living in achieving exceptional longevity, and Neto’s life reflects these principles in practice. His routine of farming and staying physically active well into adulthood likely contributed significantly to his health and vitality over more than a century.Family has played a central role in Neto’s life. He first married Josefa Albano dos Santos, and the couple had four children: Antônio, José, Fátima, and Vanda. Following their separation, he married Antonia Rodrigues Moura, and together they had three more children: Vinícius, Jarbas, and Conceição.Today, João Marinho Neto’s family spans seven children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Many of these family members joined him for his 113th birthday, creating a heartwarming celebration that underscored the strength of familial bonds in his long and fulfilled life.
World’s oldest living man João Marinho Neto marks 113 years with heartwarming family celebration
On October 5, 2025, Neto’s 113th birthday was celebrated with warmth and admiration. Images shared by Guinness World Records show him surrounded by his family, smiling, and enjoying the milestone. Beyond being a personal achievement, this celebration serves as a reminder of the extraordinary human capacity to live long, vibrant lives. Neto’s birthday highlights not only his personal journey but also the universal fascination with longevity and what it means to live a full life.Earlier in 2025, João Marinho Neto drew global attention by sending birthday wishes to Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest woman, who celebrated her 116th birthday. Guinness World Records noted this as “the first documented communication between the world’s oldest man and the world’s oldest woman.” This connection emphasises the global intrigue surrounding supercentenarians and illustrates how extraordinary lifespans can bridge continents, cultures, and histories.Also Read | Daylight saving time 2025: When clocks fall back, health risks, and everything you need to know about
