Longest time to survive with one lung (male)

The longest time to survive with one lung is 60 years 199 days, and was achieved by John McNamara (USA) in Queens, New York, USA on 15 September 2021.

The potential for this record attempt was discovered by John's granddaughters Kristen and Nicole in March of 2021. "We were at our home for dinner. That evening we started talking about my medical history, and the subject of me having one lung came up. Although they knew I only had one lung, it did not really occur to them just how long I have been living like this. When I told them that I had my right lung and eight ribs removed over sixty years ago they said that could be a Guinness World Records title holder.It never crossed my mind that it might be a Guinness World Records title holder I have lived over three quarters of my life like this and living like this was just very normal for me. But when Kristen submitted the application, I became excited about the possibility of being a Guinness World Records title holder.

John has a specialised routine that he takes part in. "We submitted my evidence that even included a Media Article that was published in Everything Respiratory magazine, “50 Years with One Lung” which describes my life up until then. I continue to be active in the past ten years as well. I continue to exercise at home three days a week, to keep my lung capacity up. I require oxygen when I am sleeping and when I exert myself longer than four to five minutes. I have a portable oxygen concentrator that helps me be very active. I have a one hour plus nap every day and it boosts my energy for the rest of the day. We have been on several cruises, and have traveled to many parts of the world. I continue to read a great deal, enjoy going out to lunch/dinner with our neighbors, friends, and family. Regularly active in our church, homeowners’ association, and enjoy multiple projects on the computer. I try to stay as active as possible, and I try to learn something new every day."

"When I tell people that I am a potential Guinness World Record holder they are surprised and supportive. Most people do not know that I only have one lung. So, that is a pretty good testament that I have lived an active life as it did not stop me from my life aspirations and accomplishments. They are all excited for this opportunity and want to know if there is anything they can do to support me. Life has been full of challenges. You must face them head on and learn from them. I always look at improving myself and to continue to move forward. You cannot look back! I have a positive outlook on life, a loving family, and achieved all my dreams, even though it looked quite daunting when I was 20-year-old boy recovering from lung surgery. I did not let it stop me."