Britain’s oldest man, Bob Weighton, has been named the world’s oldest man following the death of Chitetsu Watanabe from Japan, the previous holder of the title.
Weighton, who turned 112 last month, was already England’s oldest man, and became Britain’s oldest when Scotland’s oldest man, Alfred Smith, from St Madoes, Perthshire, who shared a birthday with him, died last summer.
Bob Weighton turned 112 years old on March 29, 2020. The Guinness World Records holder has lived through five monarchs, 22 British prime ministers, two World Wars, Spanish flu, and more. Bob was recognized as the world’s oldest man after the death of Chitetsu Watanabe of Japan, who died last month just 10 days shy of his 113th birthday.
When asked what his secret was to a long and healthy life, Bob said, “I don’t eat much meat and I only drink when I’m at a party.”
?Happy Birthday to the man that has seen it all.
Bob Weighton, the world's oldest man, turns 112 today. Born in 1908, he is the same age as Inter Milan football club, and pre-dates Selfridges department store, the beatification of Joan of Arc and the opening of the V&A museum. pic.twitter.com/q7oXhk8tz5— George Robert (@GRobert1963) March 29, 2020
Bob was born on March 29, 1908. He is from Alton, Hampshire, UK. At the time, King Edward VII was still reigning over Britain.
Bob has led a well-traveled and fulfilling life. After securing a degree in mechanical engineering, he began to travel the world. He has lived in Taiwan, Canada, and the US. He returned to England in 1946 with his wife Agnes and three children. Bob then took on a position as a lecturer at the City University of London, only retiring in 1973. He also has 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Happy 112th birthday Bob Weighton! The world's oldest man will be spending his birthday in his apartment at Brendoncare Alton, chatting on Facetime with friends and family. Read more about his life and longevity on our special blog post: https://t.co/y1SUZxSRD9 pic.twitter.com/byJu9UGlNb
— Brendoncare (@Brendoncare) March 29, 2020
“I just accept it as a fact. It’s not something I ever intended, wanted or worked for but it’s just one of those facts of life. You might find it amazing but it’s just one of those things. I have not lived my life avoiding being run over by buses or getting cancer or anything else. I’ve done nothing to deserve or achieve this age. I’m just one of the lucky ones,” he said about his exceptionally long life.
His birthday plans have been postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic For that, his plans are to just have a relaxing day at home.
Happy birthday, Bob. What do you think is the secret to a long life? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this along to your friends and family.
