114-Year-Old Man Celebrates Birthday in Brazil, Recalls Over a Century of Memories

Antônio José, a 114-year-old resident of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, recently celebrated his birthday with family and friends. Born in Aracaju, Sergipe, he has made Campo Grande his home, where he lives a tranquil life accompanied by his granddaughter, her husband, and his great-grandchildren. He enjoys strolling through the city, conversing with people, and drinking soda, which he jokingly compares to cognac. Antônio may be the oldest person in Mato Grosso do Sul, and his family has initiated the process to seek official recognition from record-keeping institutions. They are preparing to submit documentation to Guinness World Records in 2025, as the institution has not yet sent representatives to Brazil for in-person verification. The celebration, held on June 27th at the Associação dos Militares, featured live music and dancing, with Antônio actively participating. Despite his advanced age, he reportedly speaks and moves without difficulty. Antônio, a father of nine, grandfather of five, and great-grandfather of three, maintains good hearing and enjoys sharing stories from his youth. He has never required medication for high blood pressure or diabetes, attributing his health partly to a good diet, favoring dishes like traditional puchero and caldo de mocotó. A lifelong practice of prayer, learned from his mother and grandmothers, is a significant part of his daily routine, where he prays for health, sustenance, and the souls of his loved ones. Antônio also retains vivid childhood memories from Sergipe, including his early work at a sugar mill at age 16 and recollections of the legendary figures Lampião and Maria Bonita. He also remembers his grandmothers, Maria Valquíria and Maria Rosalinda, and has a curious family history of a twin brother whom he has not seen since he was nine years old.