A Costa Rican man named Jose Flores is being put forward by his family as the world's oldest living person at 119, though the claim awaits verification of his birth date by international bodies including Guinness World Records. Flores lives in Sardinal, a town on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's five "Blue Zones" known for exceptional longevity, where he is cared for by his granddaughter and spends his days resting, eating and even arm-wrestling. If confirmed, the case would highlight the region's reputation for long, healthy lives and offer researchers further insight into the lifestyle factors behind extreme longevity.

Flores's identity card states he was born on 11 July 1907, and his family has submitted historical documents, including birth and baptism certificates, for review. Experts point to the Nicoya Peninsula's mineral-rich water, a corn-and-bean-based diet, physical labour, strong family and community bonds, and low-stress, faith-centred living as contributing factors. Flores has eight children, 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Currently, the officially recognised oldest living person is Briton Ethel Caterham, born on 21 August 1909, who turned 117 in 2026.