World's Two Oldest Men Share Birthdays, Exchange Messages
The oldest and second-oldest living men in the world celebrated their birthdays on the same day, marking an extraordinary and rare coincidence.
Australia's oldest living person, Ken Weeks, celebrated his 113th birthday on October 5, the same day that João Marinho Neto of Brazil, the world's oldest living man, turned 114. The two men, separated by approximately 14,000 kilometers, exchanged birthday messages to mark the occasion.
Weeks, who resides at Whiddon aged care in Grafton, New South Wales, received a special message from Neto and recorded a video in return, extending birthday wishes. Chris Mamarelis, CEO of Whiddon, described the event as a unique privilege, noting that such a coincidence of the world's two oldest men sharing a birthday might never happen again.
Weeks moved into the Grafton nursing home in 2018, shortly before his 105th birthday. Prior to that, he lived independently for decades and was still walking to town for shopping at the age of 100. He has resided in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales for over a century, growing up on a farm and being the eldest of five children. During World War II, Weeks was involved in the construction of wartime airfields, as he was unable to join the Royal Australian Air Force.
A lifelong builder and tinkerer, Weeks worked in construction and repairs throughout his career, also operating several small businesses including a service station, milk bar, and repair shop. He married Jean McPhee in 1941, and they had two sons, Ian and Noel. The couple remained married for 45 years until Jean's death in 1986.
His son Ian recalled his father's simple lifestyle, characterized by abstaining from drinking and smoking, though he did consume white bread and favored plain, simple food over modern health trends. While Weeks remains physically fit and agile, his age has affected his voice, making speech difficult.
Weeks' granddaughter, Eunice, described him as a gentle and kind man. She attributed his long and remarkable life to resilience, determination, independence, and his faith. She characterized him as a "typical Aussie battler" who lived an ordinary life of industrious hard work.
LongeviQuest, a global longevity research organization, recognizes Neto as the world's oldest living man and Weeks as the second-oldest. 
