Guinness World Records has officially proclaimed a 112-year-old Latino New Yorker as the world's oldest man.
Salustiana Sanchez-Blazquez earned the title–which was confirmed through the use of census reports, immigration papers, marriage records and news reports–after Jiroremon Kimura died in mid-June at the age of 116. Now, he is sharing the story of his long and full life with the world.
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Born in 1901 in Spain, Sanchez-Blazquez was known for his self-taught musical talents on the dulzania, a double-reed wind instrument he used to play at village celebrations. He moved to Cuba at 17 and worked in the cane fields, before eventually coming to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1920. He married his wife, Pearl, in 1934 (who died in 1988) and ultimately moved to the Niagara Falls area of New York, where he still lives and works in construction.
Throughout that time, he had a now 76-year-old son, John, and a now 69-year-old daughter, Irene Johnson. He also has seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Wow, talk about a big a family!
But while Sanchez-Blazquez, whose nickname is "Shorty," might have a lot of relatives to lean on, he actually credits his age to his daily routine of eating one banana and taking six Anacin tablets. Meanwhile, his daughter has another theory, saying, "I think it's just because he's an independent, stubborn man." Haha! I can't say I'm surprised. My own dad and relatvies, as well as the majority of other Latino fathers I've met, are the same way!
Still, though Sanchez-Blazquez's new title might have thrust him into the spotlight, he himself has a more matter-of-fact approach when looking back at his own life. In a statement provided by Guinness World Records, he said he was humbled by the attention, saying he didn't feel he accomplished anything special just because he has lived longer than most.
Regardless, I think his story is pretty amazing. Just think of all he's seen and experienced … he has more than a century of wisdom. I wish him and his family the best and hope they continue to learn from each other and enjoy their time together.
Image via Guinness World Records
