Living April 3, 2020

112-year-old named world's oldest man at safe distance amid COVID-19 crisis

WATCH: World's oldest man says smiling is his secret to 112 years

The world's oldest man was recently honored from afar during the novel coronavirus pandemic to celebrate the milestone.

Guinness World Records confirmed 112-year-old Bob Weighton of the United Kingdom as the newest title holder on March 30, 2020, just one day after his birthday.

Because of social distancing rules, a Guinness adjudicator was unable to meet Weighton in person. Instead, the assisted living home where Weighton presented him with his certificate from a safe distance. "Happy Birthday" was also sung as he listened from his balcony.

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Bob Weighton, world's oldest man celebrates his 112th birthday, March 8, 2020.
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"I am very pleased that I've been able to live so long and make so many friends," Weighton said in a statement. "I never expected to be [a record holder]. I take life as it comes."

Weighton received the record title after Chitetsu Watanabe of Japan died Feb. 23 at 112 years and 355 day old.

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Bob Weighton, world's oldest man celebrates his 112th birthday, March 8, 2020.

In 1937, Weighton married his wife Agnes. The couple had three children together. Currently, Weighton has 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.