What’s the secret to living a long and healthy life? Science states that your diet plays a major role in determining longevity. Through tedious research, experts uncover tips and tricks that may help ensure that our body doesn't give up too soon. Fortunately, we also have some examples living among us to look towards for inspiration – and perhaps answers on how to secure longevity.

Pexels | Try as much as you may but in the game of life, there are no certainties

The Oldest Man Alive

Just a few weeks shy of his 113^th birthday, a Puerto Rican sugar cane farmer was recognized as the world’s oldest man – a title granted to him by Guinness World Records. When the popular publication announced the incredible accomplishment, the son-of-the-soil was 112 years and 326 days old.

Emilio’s Life in a Flash

Emilio Flores Marquez was born on August 8^, 1908 in a small Puerto Rican municipality called Carolina. Second oldest of 11 children, Emilio grew up responsible for taking care of his younger siblings and many of the household chores. Being the first-born son, his job as his father's aide on the farm started at a young age. GWR’s story mentions how he would load the cut sugar cane into wagons to be transported and water the family farm plants.

Twitter, GWR | Married for 75 years, Emilio’s wife Andrea Perez departed from the world in 2010 leaving him, their four children, and five grandchildren behind

Emilio’s Life Today

It's never easy to witness the death of your children, but Emilio has survived two of them already. Tirsa and Milito, who are still alive, live with him in Rio Piedras. At the age of 101, he lost most of his hearing, rendering it necessary for him to get a pacemaker implanted.

Having spent 113 years alive, Emilio, also known as Don Millo by loved ones, states that the key to a happy life is minimal anger and an abundance of love, something he learned from his late father. He recalls his father chiding him and his siblings to be good people and always share with others.

Guinness World Records | Today, Emilio can also boast of being a great-grandfather to five beautiful kids

Wrapping It Up

Prior to Emilio's record, the world's oldest man was known to be Dumitru Comănescu. Living till the age of 111 years 219 days, the Romanian took his last breath on June 27, 2020. The current record of the oldest woman alive is held by Kane Takana, a Japanese woman aged 118 years.