How Can You Live a High-Quality Long Life? World’s Oldest Practicing Doctor Shares Tips

Tucker was recognized as the world’s oldest practicing doctor. Courtesy of Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District Facebook

What is the maximum lifespan for a person? How long can a person work? Dr. Howard Tucker, an American neurologist, will celebrate his 101st birthday in July. He has been practicing medicine since 1947 and has only recently retired from seeing patients.

In 2021, the Guinness World Records named Tucker the world’s oldest practicing doctor. In addition to his medical career, Tucker passed the Ohio Bar Exam at age 67 and became a lawyer.

Born in 1922, Tucker is healthy, optimistic, mentally sharp, and energetic. He actively participates in training resident physicians at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland.

Tucker’s example for healthy aging has made many people keen to uncover his secrets for health, happiness, and mental acuity. In a recent interview with CNBC, Tucker emphasized that genetics and a bit of luck play a role but he emphasized certain lifestyle practices. Here are the five key points he shared.

1. Lifelong Learning

Tucker never considered retirement an option. He believes retirement can be detrimental to one’s longevity, gradually leading to a decline in well-being. He thoroughly enjoys what he does daily and finds great joy in learning. “I’m constantly learning something new every day,” he said.

Tucker suggests that if one has a job they enjoy and is in good health, they should consider postponing retirement. This is because many people tend to become less active in their daily lives after retirement, which can increase the risk of cognitive decline.

In a 2021 study conducted at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 individuals aged between 55 and 75 in the United States. They found that people who retired after age 67 experienced slower cognitive decline.

2. Stay Physically Active

Even in his 80s, Tucker adhered to a rigorous exercise routine that included activities like swimming, jogging, hiking, and skiing to keep himself fit. Although he no longer participates in skiing due to his age, he runs at least 3 miles on a treadmill briskly every week.

A 2023 study published in the JAMA Network Open showed that individuals who walk 8,000 steps or more per week have a lower 10-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk.

Participants who walked 8,000 steps or more per week for only one or two days weekly experienced a reduction in all-cause mortality risk by 14.9 percent and cardiovascular mortality risk by 16.5 percent.

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2022 found that just 11 minutes of daily exercise can decrease cancer risk by over 7 percent, cardiovascular disease risk by 17 percent, and the likelihood of premature death by up to 23 percent.

3. Avoid Smoking

During Tucker’s high school years, he confided in his father about his desire to smoke. In response, his father simply stated, “Why would anyone want to put anything but fresh air into his lungs when life is so short as it is?” Those words from his father effectively dispelled Tucker’s desire to smoke.

Tucker shared that there was a period in history when people believed smoking could curb appetite and calm their nerves. However, nowadays, it is widely accepted that smoking can lead to cancer, stroke, and various cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking is associated with approximately 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in the United States.

A research paper published in Brain Science in 2021 revealed that the smoke produced during tobacco combustion is a toxic mixture of over 5,000 chemicals, of which more than 30 are known carcinogens. Tobacco has significant detrimental effects on neurotransmission, nervous structures, and cognitive function development. Furthermore, it promotes the development of insomnia, neurodegenerative diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases.

4. Eat in Moderation

Tucker mentioned that moderation allows people to live life to the fullest while maintaining good health. Occasionally, he indulges in a martini or enjoys a New York strip steak. His wife, an excellent chef, prepares salads with every meal, incorporating green vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts.

Dr. Hu Naiwen, a Taiwanese traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician, shared a clear viewpoint on diet on his health channel on the Gan Jing World platform. He emphasized that every food offers unique health benefits and that the underlying cause of illness stems from bodily dysfunction, not solely from dietary choices. While food intake is indeed linked to health, it is not the sole determining factor. Adopting a balanced diet that provides diverse nutrients is a more favorable approach to maintaining good health. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid excessive restrictions and the unnecessary anxieties that go along with them.

5. Embrace a Sense of Purpose

Tucker shared his firsthand experience of witnessing the evolution of medicine, from frontal lobotomy to the latest advancements in computerized imaging techniques. He wishes to pass on his knowledge and learning to the next generation, ensuring that valuable knowledge is not lost. He said, “I thoroughly enjoy medical residents and students, and I learn a great deal from them as well.”

Studies have shown that individuals with specific life goals or a strong sense of purpose tend to have lower mortality rates.

Koichiro Shiba, a medical professor and leader of a research team at Harvard University, conducted a questionnaire-based assessment on 13,159 participants aged 50 and above to understand their purpose in life. The analysis revealed that individuals with specific life goals or a strong sense of purpose had the lowest mortality risk among all participants, at approximately 15.2 percent. In contrast, those with the lowest sense of purpose had a mortality risk of 36.5 percent. The findings of this study were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2021.

Tucker not only leads a long life but also continues to work. In 1957, he married Sara “Sue” Siegel, a psychoanalyst. His wife is also long-lived, actively practicing medicine at 89. Tucker shared that they have never had an argument throughout their 65 years of marriage. Together, they have four children and 10 grandchildren, and the family is his source of pride and joy.