The world’s oldest person is celebrating his 116th birthday today as researchers reveal they want to find out the secret to a long life.

Health specialists in Japan say that they want to figure out why Jiroemon Kimura, who was born in 1897, and those around him are living into their hundreds.

 

Kimura lives with his family in Kyotango (image courtesy of BBC News).

But the former postman has already given away a few of his secrets. According to reports his motto in life is “to eat light and live long.”

As well as keeping an eye on how much he eats he avoids the cigarettes and is a modest drinker.

 

This is the world's oldest woman (image courtesy of BBC News).

Japan is also home to the world’s oldest woman, 115-year-old Misao Okawa, as well as 95 other centenarians which is why health chiefs want to delve further into their lifestyle choices.

An official told reporters: “We are interested in what they eat and how much… We are also interested in knowing what kinds of food they like to eat and if this helps them live so long.”