This one silent habit is more dangerous than alcohol or smoking, says 102-year-old doctor

Time of India

09-06-2025

No miracle diet or supplement can help you live long if you don't have a
purpose in life
, argues a
centenarian doctor
. American physician
Howard Tucker
, who made it to the Guinness World Records as the oldest living physician in the world, recently shared one of his secrets to a long life. In an interview with
TODAY
magazine, the 102-year-old doctor said, 'Retirement is the enemy of
longevity
.'
According to Tucker, the key to a long, fulfilling life lies not in any pill, but in living with intent. He strongly asserts that the moment people abandon their sense of purpose, particularly after retirement, they begin to deteriorate both mentally and physically. Simply put, a passive life is a fast track to decline.
Rather than stepping away from life's engagements, Tucker advocates for remaining intellectually and emotionally active. Hobbies, voluntary work, or even light responsibilities can offer stimulation to the brain. Continual learning and curiosity, in his view, are essential mental exercises that help preserve cognitive clarity. Each day must offer the mind something new to wrestle with—be it knowledge, creativity, or connection.
No Room for Stagnation
Dr. Tucker practiced medicine until the age of 100, halting only because the hospital he was affiliated with closed down in 2022. If it had remained open, he says he would have continued treating patients without hesitation. This sheer commitment exemplifies his core belief: consistent engagement with meaningful work fuels life itself. For Tucker, waking up each day to contribute to society was more than a duty—it was his lifeblood.
Love, Loyalty, and Lifelong Joys
Beyond professional pursuits, Tucker draws strength from deeply rooted relationships and personal passions. He's been married for over seven decades and is the proud patriarch of a large family that includes four children and ten grandchildren. This strong familial network, paired with his unwavering devotion to his hometown sports teams, gives him constant emotional grounding and joy. Research has repeatedly shown that individuals with rich
emotional connections
and an optimistic perspective on life often enjoy longer and healthier lifespans.
Never Too Late to Learn
Tucker is not just a doctor but also a legal scholar. At the age of 67, he pursued and earned a law degree—proving that age is never a barrier to academic or personal growth. When asked about mortality, he reflects with realism, saying that the inevitability of death only enhances the value of life. For him, acknowledging the end motivates one to embrace the present with vigor.
Movement as Medicine
Another pillar of Tucker's philosophy is
physical activity
. He emphasizes the importance of daily movement, noting that even a modest 15-minute walk can significantly lower the chances of early death. His own routine includes walking three miles a day on his treadmill and snowshoeing in winter, demonstrating that movement should be a lifelong habit, not a fleeting phase.
Mindful Eating, Simple Living
His diet is built on balance and moderation. He begins his mornings with seasonal fruits or cereal paired with low-fat milk and prefers tea over coffee. Lunch is often skipped to maintain mental clarity, and dinners usually consist of fish, a variety of vegetables—especially broccoli—and an occasional serving of meat. His eating habits reflect his broader approach to life: clean, consistent, and conscious.