When most of us imagine our 100th birthday, we might picture a quiet celebration, perhaps a slice of cake, and a well-earned rest.
But for Dr Howard Tucker, the world’s oldest practising doctor, life at 102 is anything but slow-paced.
Instead of slippers and daytime TV, Dr Tucker is still donning his metaphorical white coat, sharing wisdom, and inspiring generations, proving that age really is just a number.
So, what’s the secret to his remarkable longevity and razor-sharp mind? According to Dr Tucker, it’s not a magic pill, a superfood, or even a daily crossword (though we’re sure he’d ace those, too). The real enemy of longevity, he says, is something many of us look forward to: retirement.
Retirement: Friend or foe?
‘Retirement, I think, is the enemy of longevity,’ Dr Tucker recently told the US Today show’s Al Roker. ‘You have to have some purpose in life and get up in the morning and know what you’re about.’
It’s a bold statement, especially in a world where retirement is often seen as the ultimate reward for decades of hard work.
But Dr Tucker’s life is living proof that staying engaged, curious, and purposeful can keep you not just alive, but thriving.
After nearly 80 years treating patients as a neurologist, Dr Tucker only stopped practising medicine at age 100—when the hospital he worked at closed its doors.
If it hadn’t, he says, he’d ‘absolutely’ still be seeing patients. And he’s not done yet: he continues to lecture at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and consult on medical-legal cases, thanks to the law degree he earned at 67. (Yes, you read that right—he went back to uni in his late 60s!)
The science of staying sharp
Dr Tucker’s advice isn’t just anecdotal. Research consistently shows that having a sense of purpose, learning new things, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities are key to maintaining cognitive health as we age.
Whether it’s volunteering, picking up a new hobby, or mentoring others, keeping your brain active is as important as keeping your body moving.
‘If they retire from their work, they should at least do something as a hobby, whether it be communal work or self-hobbies,’ Dr Tucker says.
‘You need a stimulus for the brain daily.’
It’s not just in the genes
While Dr Tucker’s parents lived to 84 and 96, he’s quick to point out that good genes are only part of the equation.
‘Heredity and family history of longevity is a healthy start. However, it must be supported by moderation of nutrition, alcohol, and happiness,’ he wrote in his Guinness World Record submission.
For Dr Tucker, happiness comes from meaningful work, a marriage of over 70 years, four children, 10 grandchildren, and a lifelong love of Cleveland sports.
Research backs him up: strong social connections and a positive outlook are powerful predictors of a longer, healthier life.
Move it or lose it
Physical activity is another non-negotiable in Dr Tucker’s routine. Even after a skiing accident in his late 80s left him with a broken neck, he didn’t let it slow him down.
He swapped the slopes for snowshoes and now walks at least four kilometres a day on his treadmill.
And you don’t have to run marathons to see the benefits—studies show that just 15 minutes of walking a day can reduce your risk of early death by nearly 25 per cent.
Simple, sensible eating
Forget fad diets and superfood crazes. Dr Tucker’s approach to food is refreshingly simple.
Breakfast is seasonal fruit and sometimes cereal, with 2 per cent milk and a cup of tea. He usually skips lunch to stay sharp, and dinner is fish and vegetables—especially broccoli—with the occasional serving of meat.
And yes, he enjoys a sweet treat in the evening, sometimes fruit, sometimes ice cream.
He rarely drinks alcohol, but makes an exception for his favourite cocktail: a martini. And he’s never smoked a cigarette.
A mindset for the ages
Perhaps most inspiring is Dr Tucker’s attitude towards life and death. ‘I never think of death,’ he told Today. ‘To be alive is to know that you’re going to die because life is a fatal disease. And so I live it.’
It’s a philosophy worth embracing, no matter your age.
What can we learn from Dr Tucker?
- Stay engaged: Whether it’s work, volunteering, or hobbies, find something that gives you purpose.
- Keep moving: Even a daily walk can make a big difference.
- Eat simply: Focus on whole foods, plenty of veggies, and the occasional treat.
- Stay social: Strong relationships are as important as any medicine.
- Keep learning: It’s never too late to pick up a new skill or even a new degree!
- Maintain a positive outlook: Happiness and resilience are powerful allies in the quest for longevity.
So, members, what do you think? Has retirement been a blessing or a challenge for you? What keeps you feeling young and engaged? Share your thoughts and secrets to longevity in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!
Also read: World’s oldest woman crowned at 115—expert shares longevity advice
I think volunteering is an excellent way of both keeping active, socializing and remaining engaged with your community. The best part is that you can usually do as much or as little as suits you. Hobbies are also a great way to keep active in retirement and sometimes the hobby and volunteering can be combined. For example a hobby interest in researching local history or restoring vintage equipment can be combined with volunteering in a local museum.
Sport is also great for exercise and social engagement. I still play tennis once a week at 75 as our local club has an oldies morning every Wednesday with social play and morning tea.
‘The best part is that you can usually do as much or as little as suits you.’
I wouldn’t be surprised if you have a background in sales, David! What a great thing to highlight about volunteering.
Good genes also help
Agreed! I can only remember my dad’s nan, who they said lived to be over 100. Hopefully I have what she had 😀