The world’s oldest man, a 118-year-old Brazilian, smokes and drinks coffee daily
It has been reported that the world’s oldest man, 118-year-old Luis Carlos dos Santos, affectionately known as Seu Luisinho, was accidentally discovered in the small Brazilian town of Eloi Mendes (Minas Gerais).
Despite his advanced age, he walks independently, eats without assistance, and maintains his unhealthy habits: smoking cigarettes from a straw and drinking three cups of coffee a day.
This is a true longevity phenomenon, officially recognized by the Brazilian Book of Records, RankBrasil.
Who is Luis Carlos dos Santos, the oldest man on the planet
Luis Carlos dos Santos was born on February 15, 1908, in Eloi Mendes, during the time of the Old Republic in Brazil. He lived through an entire era: he was a child when the Titanic sank, and as an adult he witnessed the birth of Pelé.
He worked his entire life as a simple lavrador—a rural farm laborer—never leaving his home state, never marrying, and never having children. Since September 10, 1971 (over 55 years old!), Seu Luizinho has lived in the Lar São Vicente de Paulo nursing home.
He was brought there by a priest from the neighboring town of Três Pontas. Over the decades, he has become a true legend of the institution: calm, reserved, and incredibly sober.
He has lost his speech but understands everything perfectly and communicates with gestures and nods. How the record for the world’s oldest man was confirmed: Luis Carlos dos Santos’s age was thoroughly verified using several official documents:
RankBrasil—the only national organization recording records in Brazil since 1999—conducted a multi-stage verification process and officially recognized him as the longest-living living Brazilian man.
Documents are currently being prepared for the Guinness Book of World Records. While 118-year-old British woman Ethel Caterham remains the official oldest person on the planet, the Brazilian is already laying claim to the title of the world’s oldest man.
He sleeps sitting up, eats small portions of everything, and takes no regular medications—only vitamins. He remained healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic and even helped staff care for other residents.
Plus, there’s the traditional Brazilian habit of smoking cigarro de palha (rolled cigarettes made from straw). An 118-Year-Old Brazilian Man’s Secrets to Longevity: What You Can Take Note of
Until recently, almost no one knew about him. Only thanks to social media and a RankBrasil audit did the world learn about this humble Brazilian centenarian. His life is an example of how simplicity and resilience help one live beyond a century.
If Guinness World Records confirms his findings, Luis Carlos dos Santos will officially become the oldest man on the planet, breaking all previous records for men.
Based on materials from the Daily Star.
