119-year-old man 'proves' Cuba's health

A Cuban has been proclaimed the world's oldest living man by Fidel Castro's personal physician, although his exact age remains unclear.

A Cuban has been proclaimed the world's oldest living man by Fidel Castro's personal physician, although his exact age remains unclear.

Benito Martinez claims to be 124 but the authorities vouch for 119. Nevertheless, he is the toast of Cuba's 120-Year-Old Club, which has feted him not only as a living embodiment of history but also as evidence of the longevity of Cubans in general.

"Cuba is the only country that has all the conditions people need to live to 120," said Eugenio Selman, the club's president and the Cuban leader's doctor. The elements include motivation to live, a good diet and intense physical activity, he said.

Guinness World Records has not recognised Mr Martinez and says the world's oldest man is a 113-year-old Puerto Rican.