FAQs

Where did the idea come from?
I'm an ambitious person. I love the Guinness Book of Records. World's Oldest Man seemed like the ultimate record and one of the few I still have a realistic chance of breaking.
Is it real or a spoof?
I'm taking staying alive as long as I can very seriously I can assure you.
Why the world's oldest man and not oldest person?
Because I'm a man. Also, I stand a better chance of becoming the world's oldest man than person because women are so very tenacious (nine of the top ten oldest people currently living are women). When I safely break the Oldest Man record I can move on to Oldest Person. Then I'll look at things like Oldest Mammal, Oldest Vertebrate and Oldest Living Thing.
How are you doing so far?
Surprisingly well. I've had very few near-death experiences so far. I am, I think, a natural.
What are the chances of you becoming the world's oldest man?
According to AQA 63336 (the text answering service), the odds are 500,000 to 1. They said they deduced that from looking at all the factors involved: my age, gender and health, against that of records and statistics. But I don't think they took into account my sheer belief. I reckon it's more like 100 to 1.
Who's behind the attempt?
If it's possible to be behind your own attempt, then I'm behind me. But my family and friends are all obviously behind me too (although many of them, including my own parents, are currently beating me). My manager James has a vested interest in me staying alive so he's onboard. And the people at innocent drinks are also helping out with support.
How can I help?
Cheer me on (but not in a loud, startling way, that might cause some sort of accident), leave a helpful comment on my blog, send me an encouraging tweet or give the youtube videos a good favouriting. Or just rub your computer screen if you can't be bothered with any of that. It might not do any good but it can't do any harm.
Have you got any top tips for staying alive longer?
Yes, loads. Well five. They're in the blog bit here. The longer I live, the more, I suppose, I'll learn.
Why should Alex Horne be the world's oldest man?
Good question. So good that I've made a PowerPoint presentation on this very subject. It's up on my blog here.
What have innocent got to do with the death defying attempt?
More fruit and veg means a healthier and longer life, so I've been told. So innocent are sending me smoothies and veg pots to help me along the way.