The world's oldest person, Brazilian José Paulino Gomes, passed away just 7 days before his 128th birthday at his home in Corrego do Cafe in the state of Minas Gerais. Reports indicate that "the centenarian was still riding horses until four years ago." According to his marriage certificate from 1917 in the Pedra Bonita registry office, he was born on August 4, 1895, meaning Mr. Gomes was born before the death of Queen Victoria and lived through both World Wars.
Eliane Ferreira, Gomes' granddaughter, stated, "There are many elderly people who have incorrect documents, but my grandfather's documents showed he was younger than he actually was, which led us to verify his real age and look for the registry office to find out his correct age." She added, "The records showed us that my grandfather was born on August 4, 1895, and he married at the age of 22, meaning that if the record is correct, he would be the oldest person to have ever lived before his death."
Eliane mentioned, "My grandfather was a simple and very humble man, who only consumed healthy, natural food from the countryside. He raised chickens and livestock and ate only what he grew or raised." Gomes left behind seven children, 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
