A villager from Russia's North Caucasus republic of Daghestan could be the world's oldest man, a source in the district administration said Monday.
At present, the world's officially confirmed oldest living man is Japan's Tomoji Tanabe, aged 112.
Magomed Labazanov was born in 1890 and celebrated his 118th anniversary on May 1, dancing the Lezginka, a popular Caucasus folk dance to dozens of villagers who came to hail "their granddad," as they call him.
"It's high time to enter his name in the Guinness Book of World Records, as there are no men aged 118" said Akhmedpasha Gadzhimagomedov, chief of the district administration.
The long-liver attributes his advanced age to a healthy life style and a proper diet of fruits, dairy products, corn and wild garlic - "the true nourishment for centenarians."
"He says that a person lives longer if he abstains from alcohol, tobacco and women," his daughter-in-law said.
For over a century of his life, the former woodcutter was unable to read, write or speak Russian. Two of his children, and over 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren helped to translate with Russian guests and media.
The title of the oldest man ever is held by 120 year-old Shigechiyo Izumi, but it is widely disputed following research that showed that his birth date could be confused with that of his elder brother who died at a young age.
A villager from Russia's North Caucasus republic of Daghestan could be the world's oldest man, a source in the district administration said Monday.
