A devoted Liverpool FC fan, John Alfred Tinniswood is reportedly the world’s oldest man alive, according to the Guinness World Record.
Born in Liverpool in 1912, the same year the Titanic met its fate, John’s journey spans over a century of history.
John was born just 20 years after the club was founded in 1892. He has lived through all eight of his club’s FA Cup wins and 17 of their 19 league title wins.
John is currently 111 years old and has been acknowledged by the Guinness World Record.
According to John, the secret to his longevity is “pure luck”. He said: “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”
Aside from eating a portion of battered fish and chips every Friday, John says he does not follow any particular diet:
“I eat what they give me and so does everybody else. I don’t have a special diet.”
Throughout his life, John has cherished family moments, including his wedding in 1942 and the joys of fatherhood.
Now a great-grandfather, he values the importance of giving your all in everything you do.
“The world, in its way, is always changing. It’s a sort of ongoing experience. […] It’s getting a little better but not all that much yet. It’s going the right way.” he said, while answering questions about how the world has evolved around him.
His advice for younger generations is: “Always do the best you can, whether you’re learning something or whether you’re teaching someone. “Give it all you’ve got. Otherwise it’s not worth bothering with.”
Today, at 111 years and 223 days old, he resides in a care home in Southport, where he’s known for his lively spirit and friendly demeanor.
Serving his country during World War II, he found purpose in administrative duties, showcasing resilience in challenging times.
