Dr. Howard Tucker is the world’s oldest practicing doctor. The 100-year-old neurologist has been working in medicine for 75 years.
As a centenarian with extensive medical expertise, Dr. Tucker is uniquely qualified to share what leads to a long life.
Of course good genes help (his mother lived to 84 and his father to 96), but Tucker has adhered to several lifestyle practices we can all follow.
Exercise
Tucker has exercised throughout his life, regularly swimming, running, and skiing. He no longer skis after breaking his neck skiing in his late 80s, but he has turned to snowshoeing and uses an old-fashioned NordicTrack in his home gym which is similar to skiing. He also uses a treadmill and stationary bike in his home gym.
Enjoy Food and Alcohol in Moderation
Tucker enjoys all types of food in moderation. He drinks alcohol socially and is even known to have a martini on Friday nights. He has never been a smoker.
Don’t Retire and Keep Learning
“I look upon retirement as the enemy of longevity,” Tucker said. He has always enjoyed his work, aiming to learn something new every day. If you do decide to retire, he says you “should at least do something as a hobby, whether it be communal work or self-hobbies… you need a stimulus for the brain daily.”
In addition to still working as a doctor, Tucker makes it a point to keep up with technology (he has a computer and smartphone), he passed the Ohio Bar Exam at age 67 because he was interested in law, and he keeps up with the medical field by studying and reading. He has stimulated and challenged his mind throughout his life.
Cultivate Happiness
“You have to be happy in your job and in your domestic life,” Tucker has said. His happiness has stemmed from his wife and 4 children (all college graduates and professionals — 3 attorneys and 1 physician). He also derives great happiness from his work.
“Lastly, I carry with me no hate for any ethnic group, religious affiliation, or race,” he said.
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Dr. Tucker has a refreshing outlook on life which has certainly supported his longevity.
“I would tell my teenage self to learn each day as if I were to live forever, and to live each day as if I were to die tomorrow.”
That’s terrific advice for us all to follow.