José Flores, the 119-year-old man from Costa Rica whom experts try to credit as the world's oldest man

José Flores, a man from Costa Rica who claims to have lived 119 years, is currently being evaluated by experts to determine whether he holds the title of the world’s oldest living person. According to official records, José was born on July 11, 1907, in the province of Guanacaste, near the northern Pacific coast of Central America. His birth mother, known as Josefa, gave him life in a small village during the early 20th century. While many individuals born around this time have since passed away, José continues to live independently in a rural municipality, described as part of a “blue zone”, regions globally recognized for their high concentration of centenarians due to healthy lifestyles. The current status of José's age has sparked interest among researchers and health professionals. Local authorities and family members are working with a Spanish investigator to verify his age through documentation and interviews. This effort aims to confirm whether José qualifies as one of the longest-living humans on Earth. Described by the investigator as an “absolutely extraordinary case,” José appears physically capable, maintaining a cheerful demeanor despite his advanced age. He lives in a modest home made of wood and sheet metal, located within a private estate in the small settlement of Obandito de Sardinal, near the town of Carrillo in Guanacaste. José resides in a region that has become increasingly popular among tourists drawn to its scenic beaches and rural charm. However, his personal history is marked by hardship. Born into poverty, he was abandoned by his mother at a young age and lost his father at seven. Raised by his grandmother, he learned to work the land at an early age. As a teenager, he migrated to the banana plantations in southern Costa Rica, where he endured grueling labor conditions. These experiences, though harsh, may have contributed to his longevity, as physical activity is often associated with extended lifespan. After marrying and raising children, José moved to the north of the country, continuing his work as a day laborer without ever owning property. At some point, government programs promised to grant him land, but these efforts were never fulfilled. Despite these challenges, José has remained active in his community. He is accompanied daily by his granddaughter, Hellen Flores, who takes care of him while pursuing education in geriatric support services. Hellen notes that in her community, elders are often treated as objects rather than people with rights. She insists that José retains autonomy over his decisions and belongings. The family’s financial situation is modest, receiving approximately 150,000 colones monthly, about $330, which represents roughly one-eighth of the national average household income. This economic condition has persisted throughout José’s life, shaped by the socio-economic realities of his youth. Yet, he maintains a positive outlook, describing himself as “worn down and dull,” likening himself to a blunt machete. He uses a walking aid to move around, enjoying brief walks outdoors to breathe fresh air and observe wildlife, such as parrots in nearby trees. José’s story highlights the resilience of individuals living in challenging circumstances and the importance of supportive communities. As evaluations continue, the world watches to see whether José Flores will officially be recognized as the oldest living human, offering new insights into the factors contributing to exceptional longevity.