Author: BalanceGenics Longevity Research Team (How100.com)
Dr. Howard Tucker, a neurologist from Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest practicing doctor. Having embarked on his medical career in 1947, he later earned a law degree and passed the Ohio Bar Exam in his 60s. Born in 1922, when the average life expectancy for American men was 58 years and for women 61 years, Dr. Tucker attributes his longevity and vitality to several key lifestyle habits that have kept him healthy, happy, and mentally sharp.
Here are the five things Dr. Tucker never did, which he believes have contributed to his long and fulfilling life:
1. He Refused to Spend His Days in Retirement
Dr. Tucker has been working for over 75 years, earning the Guinness World Record for the oldest practicing doctor. His wife, Sara, who has been by his side for 65 years, is also active in her profession as a psychoanalyst and psychiatrist at the age of 89. During the pandemic, Dr. Tucker treated patients five to six days a week before transitioning to teaching residents three days a week. With his hospital now closed, he focuses on medical-legal review work and is on the lookout for another position. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys spending time with his four children and ten grandchildren, snowshoeing, and watching Cleveland sports games.
He advises that if you love your job and are still able to work, consider postponing retirement. Staying active and engaged in work can help prevent cognitive decline, a common issue among those who become inactive after retiring.
2. He Never Let Himself Go
Up until his 80s, Dr. Tucker maintained his fitness through swimming, jogging, hiking, and skiing. While he no longer skis or is as active as he once was, he still makes it a point to jog on a treadmill for at least three miles at a brisk pace most days of the week. Watching Turner Classic Movies keeps him entertained during these workouts. Studies show that even a simple 15-minute walk outside can reduce the risk of premature death by almost 25%.
3. He Never Smoked
As a teenager in the 1930s, Dr. Tucker once told his father he wanted to start smoking. His father responded, "That’s fine with me. But why would anyone want to inhale anything other than fresh air into their lungs when life is so short?" This advice instantly quelled any desire he had for tobacco. He recalls attending medical conferences where doctors, while smoking themselves, would advise patients to quit smoking because it would "suppress your appetite and calm your nerves." Today, we know smoking leads to cancer, stroke, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and various lung and cardiovascular diseases.
4. He Never Restricted Himself Unnecessarily
Moderation is key to a fulfilling life and preventing overindulgence that can impact health long-term. Dr. Tucker enjoys an occasional martini or a New York steak, but not every day. His wife, Sara, is an excellent cook who ensures their meals are healthy and varied, always including salads and vegetables like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
For Dr. Tucker, the real secret to longevity is that there is no secret. People live and die every day, so it's essential to make the most of the time we have.
5. He Never Let His Knowledge Go to Waste
With over seven decades of experience in neurology, Dr. Tucker has witnessed the evolution of medicine from crude lobotomies to advanced computer imaging. He loves teaching residents and students, and he learns a lot from them in return. He’s also involved in a forthcoming documentary about his life, which he enjoys sharing with the next generation.
Conclusion
The lifestyle choices Dr. Howard Tucker has made throughout his life offer valuable insights into how we can all strive for longevity and happiness. By remaining active, mentally engaged, and practicing moderation, we can enhance our quality of life at any age.
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- Wu, H., et al. (2015). "Dietary Patterns and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review." Nutrition Reviews, 73(8), 547-558.
- Zhang, A., et al. (2019). "Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review." Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research, 12(3), 235-245.
By following these guidelines, shared by the world's oldest practicing doctor, we can all work towards living longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
