The man believed to be the world's oldest had another birthday this week -- his 114th.

Walter Breuning, of Great Falls, Montana, celebrated Tuesday at the retirement home where he lives, according to the Associated Press. He was born on September 21, 1896, in Minnesota.

"Every year is the same," he told the Great Falls Tribune when asked which one has been his favorite.

Breuning worked as a clerk for the Great Northern Railway in Montana for half a century, beginning in 1918 when he moved there. He married a railroad telegraph operator named Agnes, who died in 1957. They had no children.

He earned his place as the world's oldest man in July 2009, when the previous title holder, Henry Allingham of England, died at age 113. Since then, Breuning has become a bit of a celebrity, with a line of visitors coming to see him. The retirement home has begun requiring his guests to schedule appointments so he doesn't get overwhelmed.

Guinness World Records said Allingham quipped that his secret formula for longevity was a mix of "cigarettes, whiskey and wild, wild women -- and a good sense of humor."

In reality, there is no elixir that will ensure a long life. A lot of it is plain old good luck.

"Genetics play a huge role and this man won the genetic lottery, there's no doubt," geriatric medicine specialist Dr. Matthew Wayne of University Hospitals Case Medical Center told AOL Health.

Wayne said advances in modern medicine, including antibiotics and other treatments for infectious diseases, the understanding of risk factors for cardiovascular illnesses and the care of cancer patients have delay mortality.

"If you look at actuarial tables, we're living longer," he said. "We've made significant strides in those areas that have prolonged life."

But certain lifestyle factors also contribute to longevity -- namely following a well-balanced diet and staying physically, socially and mentally active by walking or exercising regularly, having frequent contact with friends and family, and reading, playing games or doing word puzzles.

"I wish I could tell you there is one magic pill," Wayne said. "There isn't."

Both Guinness and the Gerontology Research Group have confirmed that Breuning is indeed the world's oldest man -- but he is only the fourth oldest living person. Three other women were born earlier the same year he was, according to the AP.

Robert Young, a senior consultant for gerontology for Guinness World Records, did the honors for Breuning by giving him a copy of the 2011 edition of the book listing him as the oldest man.

"Walter wasn't in last year's edition," he said. "He was too young."

Breuning went to the podium to accept the award in a motorized cart and told those in attendance about the importance of faith and compassion.

"With all the hatred in this world, in this good world, let us be kind to one another," he said.