World's Two Oldest Men Exchange Birthday Wishes on Shared Milestone
Ken Weeks, 113, and João Marinho Neto, 114, celebrated their birthdays, marking a rare occasion where the world's two oldest individuals connected.
Australia’s oldest living person, Ken Weeks, celebrated his 113th birthday by exchanging messages with the only man in the world older than him, João Marinho Neto, who turns 114. The two men share the same birthday, with Weeks born on October 5, 1913, and Neto born exactly one year earlier on October 5, 1912. This extraordinary coincidence marks a unique moment, believed to be the first time the world's two oldest men have exchanged birthday greetings.
Weeks, who resides at the Whiddon aged care facility in Grafton, New South Wales, received a special birthday message from Neto. In response, Weeks recorded a video message expressing his gratitude and wishing Neto a happy birthday.
"Ken's 113th birthday is an extraordinary milestone," said Chris Mamarelis, chief executive of Whiddon, a not-for-profit aged care provider. "But for us, it was never about the number. It’s about Ken, and the life he has lived to get here. Today, he connects with the only man on earth older than him. Two men, born a year and 14,000 kilometers apart, exchanging messages on the one day that belongs to both of them. That is not something we can plan for. It is a privilege to witness."
Mamarelis added, "I don’t believe we will ever see this again. The world’s two oldest men. One 113 today, the other 114. On the same day, wishing each other happy birthday from opposite sides of the world. That is not rare. That is special, and it may be the only time it ever happens."
Weeks has been a resident of Whiddon Grafton since shortly before his 105th birthday in 2018. He has lived in the Northern Rivers region for over a century, growing up on a farm and attending local schools. His career was varied, including roles in road construction, truck and bus driving, operating a service station, running a radio and electrical repair business, and co-owning a car dealership. Although unable to serve in World War II due to his inability to join the Royal Australian Air Force, he contributed to the war effort by helping construct airfields. He was also a lifelong tinkerer and builder, designing boats and trucks.
Weeks married Jean McPhee in 1941, and they had two sons. After Jean's death in 1986, Weeks continued to live independently for many years, remaining in his home for 65 years before moving into aged care. He maintained an active lifestyle, walking into town for shopping even at the age of 100.
His granddaughter, Eunice Weeks, described him as "a typical Aussie battler" whose resilience, determination, independence, and faith have contributed to his long life. She noted his industrious work ethic alongside his remarkable longevity.
LongeviQuest, an organization that validates longevity records, currently recognizes João Marinho Neto as the world's oldest living man and Ken Weeks as the second oldest. Both men's ages have been validated by the organization.