Guinness World Records just confirmed the world’s oldest man! As of February 4, 2022, at 112 years and 253 days, Venezuela-native Juan Vicente Pérez has been officially declared the oldest living male. However, his 113th birthday is quickly approaching, and he is ready to celebrate the title and another year around the sun on May 27th.
A major title to hold, we can’t help but wonder how did Pérez get to live to this milestone age. According to Guinness World Records, Perez’s secret to a long life is drinking a glass of aguardiente every day.
“Work hard, rest on holidays, go to bed early, drink a glass of aguardiente every day, love God, and always carry him in your heart,” Guinness shares.
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Aguardiente is an anise-flavored sugar cane distilled liquor. It translates to the English term, “firewater,” and is referred to in Colombia as “guaro” (sugar water). Four ingredients make up aguardiente; alcohol, sugar, anise, and water.
Anise is an herb that has been used in medicine, as well as helped flavor foods and beverages. Although there has been little research, anise has been linked to helping with digestive issues. In a study posted by BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a clinical trial showed that patients who took the herbal combination of drugs that contained anise were significantly more effective than placebo in increasing the number of bowel movements per day.
Anise has also been linked to stimulating appetite and being a natural remedy for asthma, diabetes, gas, insomnia, coughing, upset stomachs, and even neurological disorders.
Alcohol also seems to be common ground among some of the world’s oldest people. Drinks like wine, even whiskey and beer, have been linked to longevity in some people.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking in moderation can have some stellar benefits, including reducing your risk of heart disease. There’s also the possibility of reducing your risk of ischemic stroke and risk of diabetes.
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Thanks to his favorite drink, his faith, and his loving family, Pérez is in near-perfect health. Along with his drinking habit, he also makes sure to instill the habit of praying at least twice a day as part of his daily routine.
“My dad is in very good health, his daughter Nelyda Perez tells Guinness. “He does not suffer from any disease that requires medical treatment. “The next day after resting, he says he wakes up very well. The whole family is very grateful for my daddy’s health.”
To commemorate his birthday 113th birthday coming up, Perez will be celebrating with his family and close friends.
Kayla Garritano
Kayla Garritano is a Staff Writer for Eat This, Not That! She graduated from Hofstra University, where she majored in Journalism and double minored in Marketing and Creative Writing. Read more
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