Marcelino Abad Tolentino, affectionately known as “Mashico,” celebrated his 125th birthday on April 5, 2025. He is the oldest man in Peru and potentially the oldest person on the planet. He has his own secrets for reaching such a remarkable age.
Marcelino Abad Tolentino was born in 1900 in the small village of Chaglla. He became an orphan at a young age—his parents died trying to cross a river when he was just seven years old. From then on, he had to take care of himself and started working early. There was no opportunity for formal education, as the nearest school was too far away. Tolentino spent his life working in the fields, farming, and raising livestock. He never married and had no children.
Throughout his life, Tolentino remained independent, but now lives in a nursing home, as he can no longer fully care for himself. Having surpassed the 125-year milestone, he shares his perspective on the secret to longevity. In his view, diet plays the most important role—he has always eaten healthily.
“His diet largely consisted of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lamb, which he believes contributed to his long life,” the publication notes, revealing the basics of his nutrition.
In addition, Mashico maintains his health and vitality by adhering to the traditional local practice of chewing coca leaves—a habit he picked up during his farming years.
Tolentino constantly requests avocado for breakfast—it’s his favorite fruit. For Mashico, avocado is incredibly important, and he sees it as another cornerstone of his extraordinary longevity. Interestingly, because avocados grow on trees and contain a large seed, botanists classify them as fruits, even though they aren’t sweet.
Representatives from the Guinness World Records, upon learning about Marcelino Abad Tolentino, stated that he could apply for the title of the oldest person on Earth. If confirmed, “Mashico” would make history as a world record holder.
