A Costa Rican man named Jose Flores is hoping to be officially recognized as the world's oldest living person. Flores, who is believed to be 119 years old, is seeking validation from international experts to confirm his age. If verified, he would become the world's oldest living man. Flores lives in Sardinal, a small village on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, about 20 minutes from the Pacific coast. He resides in a simple wooden house, where he takes naps, eats meals prepared by his granddaughter, and enjoys friendly arm-wrestling matches with her. Family records and official documents suggest he was born on July 11, 1907. Sardinal is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, which is one of five globally recognized "Blue Zones"—regions known for their high concentration of centenarians, or people who live to be 100 years or older. These areas are often linked to healthier lifestyles, including access to nutrient-rich water, diets centered on whole foods like corn and beans, regular physical activity, and strong family and community ties. Flores worked in agriculture for most of his life and now lives a peaceful and happy life, according to his granddaughter and caregiver, Hellen Flores. He often shares stories from his past, tells jokes, and emphasizes the importance of family in his long life. "Without love, without affection, without care, he would not still be here," she said. Jorge Vindas, founder of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association, highlights several factors that may contribute to the region's longevity. He emphasizes the importance of family and social connections, spirituality, and a physically active lifestyle. Vindas noted that residents of the area maintain healthy diets and lead low-stress lives. Regarding the verification process, he explained that the association has extensive documentation, including birth and baptism records, as well as records from later in Flores' life. These documents need to be officially confirmed by global organizations like Guinness World Records. "Once all that documentation is reviewed, we hope it will be validated and that we will have good news soon," Vindas said. While the verification process continues, Flores’ family is hopeful that the recognition will bring pride not only to them but also to Costa Rica. Hellen Flores believes that the acknowledgment would be a significant milestone for both the family and the country. Flores, a father of eight, has 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Currently, the world's oldest living person is Ethel Caterham from Britain, who was born on August 21, 1909, and reached the age of 117 in 2026. She took over the title after the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025. Flores, who once worked in agriculture, attributes his long life to family love, spirituality, and a calm, low-stress lifestyle. His family and local researchers are expecting a decision soon, believing that official recognition would be a source of immense pride for both his family and Costa Rica.