The world's oldest man, Jiroeman Kimura of Japan turned 116 on Friday, April 19 and revealed what he believes is the secret to a longer life. Kimura already broke a record last year when he was declared the oldest living person in December by Guinness World Records.
One of only 12 people born before the year 1900, Kimura is among the company of centenarians like Misao Okawa. Okawa is the world's oldest living woman at 115 years old and she also lives in Japan. Before reaching retirement at the age of 65, Kimura was a mail carrier. Farming until the age of 90 kept him active.
Kimura's daily diet consists of rice, pumpkins and sweet potatoes, which he consumes three times a day. Following this strict and consistent diet, Kimura also admits that he doesn't smoke. "Eat light and live long" Kimura's said, his life's mantra. He admitted that he only eats until he is about 80 percent full. Locals officials said that his is birthday breakfast at 7:00 AM was comprised of porridge with red beans, egg tofu and mashed pumpkin.
In a video message to Kimura, "I truly congratulate you on your 116th birthday. I'm 58 years old, still a young man at only half your age. Thanks to your generation's efforts, Japan could overcome several difficult times and achieve the prosperity we enjoy today. Your healthy existence becomes our confidence and pride," Prime Minister Shenzo Abe said.
According to data collected from 2011, over 50,000 people over the age of 100 live in Japan.
"We have a very high centenarian rate, about 2.5 times higher than the prefectural average," a local health official said.
Read more: Live Long And Healthy The Okinawan Way
