Alexander Imich, the world’s oldest man, has died at the age of 111 in New York.

According to Imich’s niece Karen Bogen of Providence, Rhode Island, Imich passed away at his home in Manhattan on Sunday. Bogen said that she had just visited Imich a day earlier, and that his health had started deteriorating approximately two weeks ago. She revealed during her visit that he no longer recognized her.

Imich was born in present-day Częstochowa, Poland, on February 4, 1903. In 1953, Alexander and his wife Wela Imich immigrated to the United States. His wife later died in 1986. Since her death, Imich has been living alone in his Manhattan home.

It was just last month that Imich was named the world’s oldest man after the previous title holder Arturo Licata died just a few days before his 112th birthday. Imich turned 111 in February and was named the oldest living man by the Gerontology Research Group of Torrance, California in April.

During a May interview with the Guinness Book of World Records, Alexander revealed his secret to longevity. He explained that he lived a healthy lifestyle and was blessed with good genes. He ate very leanly throughout his life and lived by the motto “always pursue what one loves and is passionate about.”

Guinness is currently investigating whether or not 111-year-old Sakari Momoi of Japan is now the oldest man. The oldest living person, and oldest woman, is Misao Okawa of Osaka, Japan. She was born on March 5, 1898, and is currently 116 years old.

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