How do you live a long, healthy, and meaningful life? National Geographic asked Dr. Howard Tucker, the world’s oldest practicing physician at 103 years old.
Here, he shares his thoughts on everything from supplements and aging to the joy of staying mentally and physically active.
Misconceptions about aging
Many people wrongly assume that everyone over 80 is frail or on the path to dementia.
According to Dr. Howard Tucker, that is far from the truth. Many older adults remain physically strong and mentally sharp, proving that age alone does not equal decline.
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Experiencing ageism
Dr. Howard Tucker explains that even in medical settings, people sometimes speak past him, assuming he cannot keep up.
He admits that age has made it harder to secure new positions as well.
Still, he advises others facing ageism to ignore stereotypes, keep moving forward, and not let prejudice define them.
How to combat Alzheimer’s
To strengthen the brain, Dr. Howard Tucker recommends staying socially engaged, reading, learning new things, and surrounding yourself with friends who stimulate your thinking.
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While he admits these habits cannot always prevent Alzheimer’s, they may help keep the brain active and resilient.
Do supplements really work?
When it comes to vitamins and supplements, Dr. Howard Tucker remains cautious.
He notes that there is still no conclusive evidence proving their effectiveness for cognitive longevity.
For some they may help, for others not – the verdict is still out, he says.
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Best activities to fight aging
One of the most important factors for long life, according to Dr. Howard Tucker, is staying active, both physically and mentally.
This doesn’t require extremes: simple walking, solving puzzles or crosswords, and spending time with younger people can provide lasting stimulation and energy.
The role of the environment
Air pollution is undeniably harmful to health and longevity.
Dr. Howard Tucker points to studies showing that those living near factories or in polluted areas face shorter lifespans and greater health risks.
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Coping with physical wear and tear
Joint pain, arthritis, and stiff muscles are common with age.
Yet Dr. Howard Tucker emphasizes that movement is key: just as running water does not freeze, active joints stay more flexible.
While no cure exists, regular activity and some medications can slow deterioration.
How brain research has evolved
One of the biggest breakthroughs Dr. Howard Tucker has seen in his long medical career is the advent of brain imaging technologies like MRI and CT scans.
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These tools have revolutionized our understanding of the brain and transformed modern medicine.
His own secret to longevity
As for his personal secret, Dr. Howard Tucker credits his long life to a mix of curiosity, continuous learning, strong social connections, and, occasionally, a martini.
Why young people matter
He highlights the importance of spending time with younger generations.
They provide fresh perspectives, mental stimulation, and a sense of vitality that helps keep him engaged and energized.
This article is based on information from National Geographic.