Australia’s oldest living person celebrated an incredible milestone today by exchanging birthday wishes with the only man in the world older than him.
In an extraordinary coincidence, the two men share the same birthday, exactly one year apart.
Ken Weeks, who turns 113 today, was born in Grafton, NSW on Oct. 5, 1913. One year earlier and 14,000 kilometers (8,699 miles) away, João Marinho Neto was born in Maranguape, Ceará, Brazil.
Today, the world’s two oldest men have exchanged birthday messages in what is believed to be a world first, not-for-profit aged care provider Whiddon said in a media release on Monday.
Weeks, who lives at Whiddon aged care in Grafton, was delighted to receive a special birthday message from Neto. In return, Weeks recorded a video message thanking Neto and wishing him a happy birthday.
“Ken’s 113th birthday is an extraordinary milestone,” Whiddon chief executive Chris Mamarelis said in a statement.
“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 kilometres 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.
“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 living at Whiddon Grafton since just before his 105th birthday in 2018.
He has lived in the Northern Rivers town for more than a century.
The eldest of five children, he spent his childhood in the Clarence Valley, growing up on a riverside farm at Swan Creek and attending Carrs Creek Primary School and Grafton High School.
During his working life, he built roads, drove trucks and buses, operated a service station, ran a radio and electrical repair business and a milk bar, and co-owned a car dealership and repair business in Grafton.
Unable to join the Royal Australian Air Force in WWII, he helped construct wartime airfields instead. He was also a lifelong tinkerer and builder, designing and constructing boats and trucks.
He married Jean McPhee in 1941 and the couple had two sons, Ian and Noel. They were married for 45 years until Jean’s death in 1986.
Weeks continued to live independently for many years afterwards, remaining in his home for 65 years before moving into care.
He maintained his independence and his love of staying active even well into his later years. At 100, he was still walking into town to do his shopping.
Seven years after entering care at Whiddon, Weeks has become a cherished member of the community.
“Ken is such a special part of our Whiddon Grafton family,” residential services manager Sandra Osborne said. “We’ve had the privilege of caring for him for many years now, and it’s wonderful to see him reach another incredible milestone.”
His granddaughter Eunice Weeks said his determination and outlook on life continued to inspire those around him.
“Grandpa’s resilience, determination, and independence combined with his faith in God have given him a remarkable and long life,” she said.
“And while he is remarkable, l also love that he has lived a simple ordinary life of industrious hard work. To me he is a typical Aussie battler, that just happens to be my grandad.”
LongeviQuest, a global longevity research body, currently recognizes João Marinho Neto as the world’s oldest living man and Ken Weeks as the second-oldest living man.
Both men have been age-validated by the organization.
