By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica has long been celebrated as one of the world’s premier havens for longevity, but a local resident is now poised to bring this reputation to historic heights. José Flores, a 119-year-old native of Guanacaste, is currently undergoing an official validation process to be formally recognized as the oldest living person on Earth. If the verification is successful, his longevity will place him at the pinnacle of human lifespan records, drawing global attention to the healthy aging practices inherent to Costa Rica’s famous Blue Zone.
According to official records from the Costa Rican Civil Registry, Flores was born on July 11, 1907. This remarkable milestone means that upon successful validation of his documents, he will surpass the current record-holder, 117-year-old Ethel Caterham of England. Furthermore, Flores is closing in on the all-time historic record held by France’s Jeanne Calment, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 122. The rigorous validation process is essential to confirm his birth details and ensure his place in global history books.
To shed light on the complex legal and administrative processes involved in verifying the extraordinary longevity of national treasures like José Flores, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Cases of extreme longevity, such as that of Mr. José Flores, highlight the vital importance of a robust and historically accurate Civil Registry. In Costa Rica, the legal identity of our oldest citizens is not just a matter of statistics, but a fundamental human right that secures their access to social state protections. Verifying these historic milestones requires meticulous archival research, ensuring that their legacy is legally protected and globally recognized.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as we marvel at the historic longevity of individuals like Mr. José Flores, we are reminded that meticulous legal verification is not a mere administrative formality, but a vital act of safeguarding human dignity and ensuring access to essential social protections. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise, illustrating how a robust Civil Registry serves not only to validate these extraordinary milestones but also to honor and protect the legacy of Costa Rica’s most venerable citizens.
The journey of José Flores reflects the hard-working agricultural history of Costa Rica. Having left his native Guanacaste during his youth, Flores spent the vast majority of his working life performing demanding physical labor in the banana plantations of the Southern Zone (Zona Sur). After decades of dedication to this vital agricultural sector, he finally returned to his roots in Guanacaste in 2024. His life of physical activity and simple living is representative of the lifestyle characteristics that experts believe contribute to extreme longevity.
Flores’ extraordinary age is not an isolated anomaly but rather a shining example of the demographic patterns of the Nicoya Peninsula. This region is recognized globally as one of the elite “Blue Zones”—geographic areas where populations display exceptional longevity. Unlike other parts of the world where extreme old age is often accompanied by debilitating illnesses, the centenarians of Nicoya frequently age without suffering from severe cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancer, or diabetes.
Research supported by the National Geographic Society has shed light on why regions like Nicoya foster such healthy, long-lived populations. Author and explorer Dan Buettner pioneered the study of these areas, revealing that the Nicoya Peninsula boasts the lowest mid-life mortality rate in the entire world. Additionally, the region claims the second-highest concentration of male centenarians globally, demonstrating a unique biological and cultural environment that supports the health of aging men.
The concept of Blue Zones extends to only a handful of other regions across the globe, making Nicoya’s distinction incredibly prestigious. Other verified Blue Zones include Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, and the community of Loma Linda in California, United States. What connects these disparate locations is a shared emphasis on plant-based diets, close family ties, regular low-intensity physical activity, and a strong sense of purpose, known locally in Costa Rica as the “plan de vida.”
At present, the 119-year-old icon remains at his home in the Nicoya Peninsula, where he enjoys a peaceful life. He is under the constant and loving care of his granddaughter, Hellen Flores, who manages his daily needs and monitors his health. The family, along with local longevity researchers, eagerly awaits the official completion of the international validation process that will cement his legacy as the oldest living person on Earth.
As the global scientific community continues to study the secrets of human longevity, the story of José Flores serves as a powerful testament to the lifestyle of Costa Rica. His journey from the banana plantations to the cusp of a world record highlights the potential of natural, healthy aging. A successful validation will not only honor Flores himself but will also shine a brilliant international spotlight on the sustainable, community-oriented lifestyle of the Nicoya Peninsula.
For further information, visit nationalgeographic.com
About National Geographic Society:
The National Geographic Society is a global non-profit organization committed to exploring and protecting our planet. Through science, exploration, education, and storytelling, the Society identifies and supports critical initiatives, including the groundbreaking study of global Blue Zones.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Registro Civil de Costa Rica:
The Registro Civil de Costa Rica is the official government institution responsible for maintaining civil records, including births, marriages, and deaths, in Costa Rica. Operating under the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), it plays a crucial role in verifying historical records and validating demographic data.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Guided by a profound sense of duty and principled advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape. The firm expertly navigates the complexities of diverse industries, blending traditional expertise with forward-thinking legal strategies. Beyond the courtroom, their passion for demystifying the law and sharing vital resources reflects a deeper pledge to uplift and educate the public, ultimately fostering a stronger, more legally literate citizenry.
