Polish Man Recognized As Oldest Man In The World, Attributes Long Life To Not Dying Earlier

"I simply didn't die earlier. I have no idea how this happened," he said.

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NBC News
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NBC News

Officially recognized as the world’s oldest man, 111-year-old Alexander Imich, a resident of the Upper West Side in New York City, seemed to not be overly excited about achieving his title.

“I simply didn’t die earlier. I have no idea how this happened,” he said.

Imich was born on Feb. 4, 1903. At that time, The Wizard of Oz just started showing in NYC, the first teddy bear was still under development, Guantanamo had not yet been leased to the US, and the New York Yankees played their first game ever that year.

He attributed his long life to a clean and healthy diet — no alcohol. He used to swim and participate in gymnastics during his youth.

NBC News
NBC News

He looks remarkably healthy for being 111 years old. Thought Catalog Logo Mark

h/t: NBC News