World's Oldest Man Thanks 'Cigs, Whisky, Wild Women'

British WWI veteran Henry Allingham learned yesterday that he is now the world's oldest man following the death of 113-year-old Tomoji Tanabe, the Independent reports. Tanabe eschewed alcohol and tobacco but Allingham, also 113, once quipped that his longevity was due to "cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women." The retired engineer lives in a home for ex-servicemen and has remained highly active in war commemorations.

Allingham's dynasty includes 12 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild. "I don't know if there is a secret, but keeping within your capacity is vital," he says of his long life. "I've had two major breakdowns, one during the war and one after but both when I was trying to do the work of three men. The trick is to look after yourself and always know your limitations." (More Henry Allingham stories.)