The secret to longevity of the world's oldest Italian man

The Guinness Book of Records has officially recognized Italian Arturo Licata as the world's oldest man, as he will turn 112 this May.

Born on May 2, 1902, into a family of four brothers and two sisters, Licata started working very early, becoming a worker in a sulphur mine in Sicily at the age of nine. He joined the army at the age of 19 and served for 18 years. He is still living a healthy life in the city of Enna, Sicily.

Mr. Arturo Licata. (Source: ANSA)

According to Italian press, the secret to Licata's longevity lies in her daily diet and exercise regimen.

Licata eats a lot of pasta, green vegetables, green onions and drinks red wine with dinner. She eats little meat, drinks a lot of coffee and is physically active. When she was young, she walked an average of 22 km a day. However, she herself believes that being "humorous", "joking" and "enjoying life" helps her live longer.

The Guinness Book of Records' recognition of Licata also means that they do not recognize Premsai Patel, an Indian, as the world's oldest man.

The identity card of this retired teacher, who currently lives in Chhatisgarh, central India, shows that he was born on May 11, 1896, meaning that he is currently about to turn 118 years old.

The title of "world's oldest man" was given to Mr. Licata after Mr. Salustiano Sanchez, a Spaniard, passed away in September 2013, at the age of 112 years and 97 days.

This is not the first time an Italian has been among the world's oldest men.

Scientists point out that diet and nutrition, along with good climate and moderate life are the reasons why Italians live long. Currently, the average age of Italians is among the highest in Europe and the world.

The world's oldest nun is also Italian. Sister Candida Bellotti, a Camillian nun, is 107 years old. In an interview with the press on her birthday last February, she said the secret to her longevity is ''living in joy and making others happy.''

Currently, the record for the longest life in human history belongs to Jeanne Louise Calment, a French woman. She died in 1997, after living 122 years and 164 days./.

According to VNA