Ken Weeks (113), Australia’s Oldest Man, Shares a World-First Birthday Moment with the World’s Oldest Man

Australia’s Ken Weeks and Brazil’s João Marinho Neto exchange birthday wishes from opposite sides of the world on their shared birthday, October 5, 2026.

4 October 2026

When Australian supercentenarian Kenneth (Ken) Weeks blows out the candles on his 113th birthday today, he will be sharing the milestone 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, Australia’s oldest living man, was born in Grafton on 5 October 1913. One year earlier and more than 14,000 kilometres away, João Marinho Neto was born in Maranguape, Ceará, Brazil.

Today, the two men are celebrating their shared birthday together, exchanging birthday wishes from opposite sides of the world in what is believed to be a world-first connection between the world’s two oldest living men.

João sent Ken a special birthday message from Brazil, which Ken was delighted to receive. In return, Ken recorded a video message for João, sharing his thanks and warm birthday wishes as the two men marked their extraordinary shared milestone.

The special birthday exchange was made possible by not-for-profit aged care provider Whiddon, with support from LongeviQuest, the global authority on maximum human longevity and age verification.

Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis said helping Ken connect with João was about something bigger than a number.

"Ken's 113th birthday is an extraordinary milestone. 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 fourteen thousand 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."

For Ken, the birthday wishes from Brazil will arrive at Whiddon Grafton, the care home where he has lived since he entered care shortly before his 105^th birthday, in September 2018.

The town of Grafton has been home to Ken for more than a century and remains at the heart of his story, making it a fitting place to mark such a monumental occasion.

Born the eldest of five children, Ken 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.

His life was shaped by the same qualities that have followed him into his later years: curiosity, hard work and an ability to turn his hand to almost anything.

During his working life, Ken 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. During World War II, after being unable to join the Royal Australian Air Force, he helped construct wartime airfields instead.

He was also a lifelong tinkerer and builder, designing and constructing boats and trucks and finding ways to adapt things to suit his needs. Even well into his later years, Ken maintained his independence and his love of staying active. At 100, he was still walking into town to do his shopping.

Ken 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. Ken continued to live independently for many years afterwards, remaining in his home for 65 years before moving into care.

Seven years on, Whiddon Grafton has become a much-loved part of Ken’s remarkable story. To the team who care for him, Ken is much more than Australia’s oldest man. He is a cherished member of the community, known for his quiet nature, curiosity, determination and enduring sense of independence.

Sandra Osborne, Residential Services Manager at Whiddon Grafton said:

“Ken is such a special part of our Whiddon Grafton family. We’ve had the privilege of caring for him for many years now, and it’s wonderful to see him reach another incredible milestone.”

For Ken’s family, his remarkable longevity is just one part of the story. 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. 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 currently recognises 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 organisation.

For Ken, the milestone birthday will be celebrated quietly with family and the Whiddon Grafton community, just as he has marked many of life’s milestones.

In his 113^th year, this birthday comes with a message from a very special birthday companion. A man born one year before him, on the other side of the world, who happens to be the only person alive who knows exactly what it is like to have lived a little longer.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

Ken Weeks was born in Grafton, NSW, on 5 October 1913 and turns 113 on 5 October 2026.
João Marinho Neto was born in Maranguape, Ceará, Brazil, on 5 October 1912 and turns 114 on 5 October 2026.
Both men have been age-validated by LongeviQuest.
Ken is enjoying his milestone birthday privately and does not wish to partake in any media interviews.
Video and imagery are supplied with this media release and can be utlised for media purposes.

Quotes Attributable

Ken’s Granddaughter, Eunice Weeks:

“Grandpa’s resilience, determination, and independence combined with his faith in God have given him a remarkable and long life. 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.”

Whiddon CEO, Chris Mamarelis:

“Ken’s 113th birthday is an extraordinary milestone, but for us, it is first and foremost about celebrating Ken and the remarkable life he has lived.”

“It is a privilege to be part of this chapter of his life and to see him continue to find joy in connection and in the world around him. To help Ken exchange birthday wishes with João on their shared birthday is incredibly special. It is a beautiful reminder that meaningful connections and moments of joy can happen at any age.”

Whiddon Grafton Residential Services Manager, Sandra Osborne

“Ken is such a special part of our Whiddon Grafton family. We’ve had the privilege of caring for him for many years now, and it’s wonderful to see him reach another incredible milestone.”

CEO of LongeviQuest, Ben Meyers

“Seeing Ken and João exchange birthday greetings reminds us how extraordinary they are. At 113 and 114, respectively, they are each other’s only true peer. This is the first time the world’s two oldest men have ever exchanged greetings, and it makes it even more special that they share the same birthday, born exactly one year apart in 1912 and 1913.”

About Whiddon

Whiddon is an award-winning care provider that aims to inspire every day across its residential aged care homes, community care and NDIS services throughout NSW and Southeast Queensland.

For more than 75 years, Whiddon has provided care and support to older Australians and people living with disability across regional, rural and remote communities.

Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities to remain at the forefront of innovation, leading new thinking, programs and training around quality of life and ageing.