He may be the world's oldest man, but Tomoji Tanabe celebrated with two birthday parties on Tuesday to mark his 112th year.

Born in the same year as King George VI, who died in 1952, the sprightly Mr Tanabe said he has no plans to die and told reporters that he "wants to live indefinitely."

Declared the oldest man in the world by the Guinness Book of Records in January, Mr Tanabe ascribes his longevity to not touching alcohol and not smoking. He also keeps a diary and reads the newspaper every day to keep his mind active, he said.

A diet of vegetables keeps him fit, Mr Tanabe said after accepting a bouquet of flowers and a present of Y100,000 (£450) from the mayor of his hometown of Miyakonojo, in southern Japan.

He also insists on drinking milk and taking a stroll around the neighborhood every day. A city official described Mr Tanabe as "extremely healthy," a description that can be applied to thousands of other Japanese.

With improvements in healthcare, Japanese people are living longer than ever and the number of people here over the age of 100 is expected to reach 32,000 next month.

One in five Japanese are aged 65 or older and Japanese women can expect to live to see their 85th birthday. In the meantime, the number of children being born in Japan is declining, leaving the country with major concerns over how it will fund healthcare and social security payments in the future with a contracting work force.

Japan marked its Respect for the Elderly national holiday on Monday, with Mr Tanabe celebrating with local dignitaries on Tuesday morning and then with his family.

Chemicals in Foods avoid them and stay young

1. Foods and pesticides

Problem:Foods sprayed by farmers and in grocery stores are never clear of chemicals.
Solution: Buy organic foods, - at the very least wash with soap water and rinse thoroughly. Can you grow your own? Even if it’s only patio tomatoes and herbs, every bit helps.

2. Food Preservatives

Problem: Chemicals added to make food last longer, or look better for higher sales.
Solution: Buy bakery bread, and ask to be sure they aren’t using additives. Buy organic fresh, frozen or canned foods.

3. Dairy

Problem: These days milk from cows can be laden with antibiotics and their food filled with chemicals and can still be sold for human consumption.
Solution: Buy milk from cows raised naturally, or switch to soya milk for some of your baking, and on cereals. This is easily done by introducing it slowly into your new way of eating.

4. Deodorant

Problem: Some brands contain aluminum, and your skin absorbs it!
Solution: Buy brands without it. Try use baking soda – if it works to absorb odors around the house, it will work for you too – and it’s smooth.

5. Stress

Problem: Living in pain from emotions, abuse, crisis and over working.
Solution: Include a few stress relieving habits in your life. Start with a one to 2 hour weekly ritual. It could be a massage. If you don’t have the time and little money Sue Augustine’s book “Five Minute Retreats for Women” has many simple indulging ideas.

6. Cookware

Problem: Cooking with aluminum cookware means you are ingesting aluminum.
Solution: Use glass, cast iron, stoneware, earthenware, high grade steels for cooking.

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