A centenarian who claims to be the world’s oldest man says he recently celebrated his 146th birthday.
According to his ID card, Mbah Gotho, from Indonesia, was born on 31 December 1870.
If this is accurate, he is the oldest person to have ever lived, taking the title from French Jeanne Calment, who died at the age of 122 in 1997.
The great-grandfather said the key to a long life is “patience”.
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Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Gotho reportedly celebrated his birthday alongside his grandson, Suryanto, his wife, Suwarni, and his great-grandchildren Erika Kurniawati and Anisa Kurniawati.
According to The Independent, when asked the secret to his longevity, Gotho said: “The recipe is just patience.”
He has outlived all 10 of his siblings, four of his wives and all of his children.
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Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
According to the MailOnline, the Indonesian records office has confirmed Gotho’s birthdate as 31st December 1870.
However, the paperwork for his Indonesian ID card has yet to be independently verified, so it is currently unclear whether or not he’ll appear in official record books as the world’s oldest person.
10 Tips For Healthy Ageing
Exercise(01 of10)
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As well as the physical benefits, regular exercise has positive effects on your brain. (credit:ferrantraite via Getty Images)
Stop Smoking(02 of10)
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It’s bad for your body and your brain. (credit:Yagi Studio via Getty Images)
Attend Regular Health Checks(03 of10)
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Make use of health checks on offer: contact your GP surgery for information. (credit:Hero Images via Getty Images)
Be Sociable(04 of10)
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Avoid the harmful effects of loneliness by keeping up your social contacts. (credit:Thomas Barwick via Getty Images)
Eat & Drink Well(05 of10)
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Adopt a Mediterranean diet or similar which is rich in nuts, whole grains and fruit, vegetables and oily fish, alcohol in moderation. (credit:Chris Gramly via Getty Images)
Manage Stress(06 of10)
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Keep your stress levels and your blood pressure down. (credit:Muriel de Seze via Getty Images)
Rest(07 of10)
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Get enough sleep. Most experts suggest about eight hours a night. (credit:BreBa via Getty Images)
Challenge Yourself(08 of10)
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Keep your brain active and challenge yourself: through work or volunteering. People in jobs that demand complex dealings with people or data are more likely to stay mentally sharp in later life (credit:LarsHallstrom via Getty Images)
Learn A Language(09 of10)
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People who speak more than one language are more likely to stay sharp in old age. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)
Love Later Life(10 of10)
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A positive attitude towards growing older can increase your life expectancy by up to seven and a half years. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)