Latest news with #HowardTucker
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
World's oldest practicing doctor, a NE Ohio native, celebrates 103rd birthday
BEACHWOOD, Ohio (WJW) – The name 'Dr. Howard Tucker' is etched in the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest practicing doctor. The longtime Cleveland neurologist is also a highly respected educator at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and on Thursday, Tucker turned 103 years old. During an interview at his home in Beachwood, Tucker reflected on his long life. 'I'm so happy to be here, so happy that I have my life, my happy family, no mental deterioration and I'm just grateful for every day,' he told FOX 8 News. Community builds new home for mysterious rare bird residing in Kent Tucker is a 1940 graduate of Cleveland Heights High School and a 1947 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was the Chief of Neurology for the Atlantic Fleet during the Korean War. Tucker said the most important moment in his life came when he met his wife Sue while working in New York City, and his biggest accomplishment has been their 67-year marriage. Together, they have four children and 10 grandchildren. His best advice about happiness at home comes from a poem written by Ogden Nash: 'to husbands, to keep love brimming in your loving cup, if you're wrong, admit it, if you're right, shut up.' In 1957, Tucker was teaching at the then-Columbia College of Physicians in New York when he was approached about an opening for an assistant professor position at the Case Medical School. He said he jumped at the chance to come home to Cleveland. The journey back to Northeast Ohio would lead to decades of service at the Cleveland Clinic and St. Vincent Charity Hospital, but Tucker said it has been his time at Case molding the minds of medical students that kept him young at heart. His sage wisdom and advice for young doctors made him an icon at the school. 'You do not have to be smart to be a good doctor. All you have to do is be thorough. Brains help, but it's the thoroughness that's the critical issue,' he said. The doctor's grandson, Austin Tucker, produced a documentary about the life of the legendary physician called 'What's Next?' and has turned the centenarian into a viral sensation by posting videos of his words or wisdom on TikTok. Former Dave's Market in AsiaTown eyed for new middle-income housing 'It's bewildering. I just don't understand it. I've just gone step by step in my life and I'm doing the best I can,' said Tucker. He has simple advice on how to live a long, happy life, telling FOX 8, 'everything in moderation. Except, no cigarettes. That's the key.' Tucker said it is also best to avoid one emotion: hatred. 'Your blood pressure goes up, your pulse goes up, your Sympathetic Nervous System overflows. It's damaging to you, so avoid your hatreds,' he said. Tucker said his longevity is also due to good luck and genetics. His 'little' brother turns 100 later this year. The doctor said he is planning to once again lecture at the Case Medical School in the fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm world's oldest practicing doctor at 102... here's why people were slim and healthy back in my day
The world's oldest doctor has revealed his slimming secrets from the past that he believes explains why Americans were so slim back in the day. Until 2022, Howard Tucker, 102, was still practicing as a neurologist in Ohio until the hospital closed down — and now, as he approaches his 103rd birthday, he's still sending out job applications. So, what's his secret? Dr Tucker still largely relies on home-cooked meals — and his portions are much smaller than those in the modern diet. He also doesn't follow trendy diets and doesn't shy away from carbohydrates or red meat. His breakfast is typically a piece of toast and some fruit, and dinner is usually a piece of steak, chicken or fish with vegetables or a salad. He normally skips lunch, often saying he is too busy, and instead only eats when he's hungry — which he says is a key difference in today's world. Speaking to the National Geographic, the centenarian said: 'While I don't believe one diet fits all, it's clear that incorporating more whole, healthy foods as opposed to processed, fried or sugary treats can help prevent medical issues in the long run. 'I've seen countless food trends come and go throughout my lifetime. There will always be a new study highlighting the benefits or risks of eating just about anything.' America's waistline has been ballooning for decades. In 2024, some 43 percent of Americans were considered obese, compared to just 13 percent in the 1960s, when Dr Tucker first graduated med school. Data also suggests that in the late 1970s, Americans got about six percent of their calories from fast food. Today, that has nearly doubled to 11 percent. And research shows not only are Americans eating more, but the size and calorie content of store bought and fast food has surged. Between 1986 and 2016, studies suggest that the average burger has gained 39 grams in weight and contains 90 more calories. It also now has 41.6 percent of the daily salt allowance, compared to 27.8 percent initially. For fast food desserts, the average one now weighs an extra 71 grams and contains 186 more calories than it did four decades ago. Dr Tucker, who is from Ohio, suggested in his interview that one of the ways to counteract this is to eat meals you cooked yourself. The grandfather-of-10, does allow himself the occasional treat — saying he is partial to ice cream and donuts. But his treat drawer also includes, perhaps uniquely, pickles that he likes to make himself. Dr Tucker indulges in the occasional martini too, having not being scared off by the recent studies suggesting alcohol may raise someone's risk of cancer. But the neurologist is eager to stress that, like so much in life, 'moderation' is key. 'To me, moderation seems to be correct,' he said. 'People often suggest that eating X or strictly following Y routine will help you live longer.' 'I don't believe in extremes or fads. In fact, I think going to extremes can be more harmful than helpful. Certainly, genetics and luck play an enormous role. Beyond that, I believe the key is everything in moderation.' Dr Tucker is also no stranger to exercise, even a month before his 103rd birthday, saying he still uses a treadmill in his home gym — although at a much slower pace. He also tries to jog when he can and walks a lot, saying this 'strengthens your heart and stimulates your brain'. It hasn't all been plain sailing with his health, though. He injured his neck in a skiing accident at the age of 80 years, he said, which led his family to ban him from the sport. Dr Tucker also encourages people to continually seek knowledge and connection, saying this provides vital stimulation that keeps the brain active. 'When people ask me about longevity, as a real punkster, I would say: wine, women and song,' he says. Like his father, Dr Tucker has made sure to try and have friends at least a few decades younger than himself, saying this helps to stimulate him to think better. But it's not all about pleasure and socializing, he believes in strengthening the brain through learning. Dr Tucker completed a law degree at age 67 years in 1989, and still regularly reads neurology journals to stimulate his brain. He is still chasing new skills even now, having signed up for a computer course most recently. Dr Tucker also warns that people should never retire, blasting this as the 'enemy of longevity' because it reduces someone's decision-making and social interaction — which may hasten decline. Dr Tucker stopped working in 2022 after the hospital where he worked closed, but said he would still be there if it was open. He has applied for new jobs, but keeps getting rejected — which he says is likely because of his age.
National Geographic
23-06-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
At 102, he's the world's oldest practicing doctor. These are his longevity tips.
According to neurologist Howard Tucker, there is a scientific basis for not retiring. That's why this 102-year-old is the world's oldest practicing doctor. Image Courtesy What's Next? Documentary Howard Tucker has been practicing medicine since 1947. Ahead of his 103rd birthday, the neurologist shares his thoughts on living a healthier life—and enjoying it, too. At 102 years old, Howard Tucker is the world's oldest practicing doctor—and he's eagerly looking for new work since the hospital where he taught medical residents closed in 2022. 'Right now, I'm out of a job,' Tucker says. While he's no longer seeing patients, Tucker's resume speaks for itself. He received his medical doctorate in 1947 and completed his neurology residency in 1953. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was the chief neurologist for the Atlantic Fleet during the Korean War. In 1989, at a spry 67, Tucker pursued a law degree and passed the Ohio State Bar exam while continuing to work as a neurologist. He helped treat patients in the earliest days of the COVID pandemic and, today, he occasionally teaches medical and law students at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He still consults as a specialist for medical legal cases too. (7 simple science-backed rules for living longer.) More recently, he's also become a TikTok star, with 101,000 followers and counting. Tucker's grandson, Austin, created the account with his friend Taylor Taglianetti. Together, they produced the documentary What's Next? to showcase Tucker's extraordinary accomplishments and zest for life. Ahead of his 103rd birthday in July, National Geographic asked Tucker for his secret sauce to longevity. The centenarian staunchly credits a continuous pursuit of knowledge and connection—and the occasional martini. Read on for his tips for better health and the habits he believes everyone should avoid. The centenarian neurologist credits social connection and continuous pursuit of knowledge as key to his longevity. Above, Tucker is seen at Progressive Field in Cleveland before throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game on his 100th birthday. Image Courtesy What's Next? Documentary NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: You've said that retirement is the 'enemy' of longevity. What brought you to this realization, and why do you feel strongly about it? HOWARD TUCKER: These are not just my whims. It's been documented that for each additional year of working, there's a lower risk of dementia. It's important to continue with decision-making, with social interaction. This slows down cognitive decline. It goes back to the old theory of 'use it or lose it.' If you don't use your brain, you're going to lose it. A scent, a touch, or a sip can be just what you need to lock an important moment into your mind forever. What advice would you give to people whose work is harming their health? I would hope those people could acquire a new profession. You know, I had a patient who found it necessary to drive around the city block several times before she could go to work as a secretary, and she had a stroke at 42 because of the stress that built up. So the advice to her, of course, would have been to find another boss. (What working long hours does to your body.) What are three healthy habits that you keep up with and recommend? Stay physically and mentally active, do not smoke cigarettes whatsoever, and don't harbor hatred. When you hate, you're physically abusing yourself. Your pulse and blood pressure go up. It's the same stress that you'd get with any anxiety. Look, hate is innate. When we hate someone, we increase our own stature, emotionally, and it just doesn't work that way. There's no reality to it, except the unhealthy physiological responses. Do you think smoking is as big a problem for younger people today compared to 30 or 40 years ago? Yes, it is. While I was in med school, Alton Ochsner, a surgeon from the Ochsner Clinic (now Ochsner Health), came to talk to my class. He showed that in the generation before mine, very few women smoked. The few who did smoked in the house, never in the streets or in public. At that point, it was conceived that lung cancer was a disease of men, as breast cancer is a disease of women. But he showed compelling evidence that increasing lung cancer rates paralleled the incidence of smoking in ladies. That resolved it in my book. It's dangerous. Now, not all doctors believed that. Doctors used to say to patients, 'Take up smoking, it'll curb your appetite and quiet your nerves.' My medical students and residents are shocked when I tell them that doctors would sit on the bed in the hospital smoking a cigarette, and the patient would be in the bed smoking a cigarette. I think the same pattern could happen with marijuana. Right now, the government blesses it like it did tobacco. There is increasing evidence that after inhaling marijuana, coordination goes down and intellect is modified. You see premature heart activity—heart attacks, strokes—and this is kind of being brushed aside. (Marijuana doubles your risk of cardiovascular death, worrying new study shows.) Do you feel the same way about drinking alcohol? To me, moderation seems to be correct. When people would ask me about longevity, as a real punkster, I would say: wine, women, and song. There's a lot to be said for that. (Although, now there have been a few negative reports of wine, even in moderation.) Do you believe diet influences longevity, and what does yours look like? While I don't believe one diet fits all, it's clear that incorporating more whole, healthy foods as opposed to processed, fried, or sugary treats can help prevent medical issues in the long run. I've seen countless food trends come and go throughout my lifetime. There will always be a new study highlighting the benefits or risks of eating just about anything. I typically start my mornings with fresh fruit and toast alongside my lovely wife. I'm not usually hungry for lunch, and when I was actively seeing patients, I often skipped it. For dinner, I'll have chicken, fish, or the occasional steak, paired with vegetables or a salad. Add in the occasional martini, and that's a perfect meal in my book. I will admit I've been indulging in ice cream and doughnuts a bit more in my 100s than I ever did when I was younger. Of course, we know exercise is important too. How has your exercise routine changed? Let me put it this way: I do enjoy the treadmill at a much lower pace than I had been doing, but at the same time, I must have something interesting on the television set to survive that ordeal. As you grow older, you don't exercise as vigorously, but making time for exercise is important. It strengthens your heart and stimulates your brain. Walking is good, particularly for older people, as is jogging. Try to keep up with walking because eventually there are limitations—your arteries become hardened, you can't walk as far or as fast, or your balance is off. But there are other opportunities: Stationary bikes, stair climbers, ellipticals, all of those keep you stimulated. (Why outdoor adventure is important for women as they age.) Do you have a hobby that keeps your brain sharp and life fun? I still snowshoe. My balance is off, so it's becoming more dangerous, but I go with my kids. While they ski downhill, I live vicariously through that. You've also been married for nearly 68 years. How has your connection with your wife shaped your health? Well, she keeps me sober. She keeps me modest. We just enjoy each other's company. Do you believe that friendships are just as important? Friendships can be very powerful and should be. My father had friends in their 30s when he was in his 90s, and that kept him alive. The same thing is happening to me. Although I don't have any friends in their 30s and all my close childhood friends are gone, I certainly have friends 25 years younger than I am, and they stimulate me to think better. Has the way people speak to you changed as you've grown older? Yes, it has, and it's not comfortable. People will talk about me to my kids in my presence and not ask me questions directly. They kind of demote you, figuring that you have to be a doddering old soul. It's not necessarily realistic. It's offensive too. Yet you seem hopeful and happy when you speak about life. What is your secret to staying optimistic? I ignore my age. Age is so relative. When I was 40 years old, I was talking to a group of medical students and residents, and I said I never worry about a premature death. One of the people in the group said, 'Dr. Tucker, you're already past age.' I was 40! I think not being fearful of every moment of life is terribly important. What's the most exciting medical discovery or advancement that's changed your work in neurology? Imaging, specifically CT and MRI scans, took us from the medical Middle Ages into the 20th century. It has greatly advanced our ability to diagnose and treat countless conditions without resorting to outdated and invasive procedures. That said, I still caution my medical students and residents to never rely on imaging alone. I emphasize the importance of taking a thorough patient history. Get to know your patient. Understand the full clinical picture. Only then should you use imaging to confirm or challenge what you already suspect. Despite all our technological progress, the human side of medicine remains just as vital as ever. What's the biggest myth you hear about longevity? People often suggest that eating X or strictly following Y routine will help you live longer. I don't believe in extremes or fads. In fact, I think going to extremes can be more harmful than helpful. Certainly, genetics and luck play an enormous role. Beyond that, I believe the key is everything in moderation. They once asked the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw what he owed his longevity to. He claimed the secret was a vegetarian diet, no alcohol, and no caffeine. Then they asked Sir Winston Churchill what he owed his longevity to: Sir Winston enjoyed Armenian brandy, meat at every meal, and smoking cigars. I like to joke that I'm smarter than both of them. I don't see the need or benefit in following fads, trends, or overindulging, but I do believe in enjoying life. Just no cigarettes! This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
This one silent habit is more dangerous than alcohol or smoking, says 102-year-old doctor
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.
New York Post
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
World's oldest practicing doctor, 102, reveals ‘enemy of longevity'
Most people slow down with age, trading suits and deadlines for slippers and daytime TV. Not Dr. Howard Tucker. The Cleveland-born neurologist treated patients for nearly eight decades, earning the Guinness World Record title for oldest practicing doctor just before his 99th birthday. Now 102, Tucker may have hung up his white coat, but he hasn't hit the brakes. He spends his days lecturing future doctors at Case Western Reserve University and consulting on medical-legal cases — thanks to the law degree he picked up at the age of 67. 5 Dr. Howard Tucker treated patients from 1947 until 2022. drhowardtucker/Instagram Oh, and he's gone viral on TikTok while promoting What's Next, a documentary about his life, produced by his grandson. Tucker recently peeled back the curtain on his remarkable run — and how he's stayed sharp, driven and active well into his second century. 'Retirement, I think, is the enemy of longevity,' Tucker recently told TODAY's Al Roker. 'You have to have some purpose in life and get up in the morning and know what you're about,' he added. Tucker continued practicing medicine until age 100, only stopping when the hospital where he worked shuttered its doors in 2022. 5 Tucker will turn 103 years old in July. whatsnextmovie/Instagram If it wasn't for the closure, Tucker told PEOPLE, he'd 'absolutely' still be seeing patients. He's even 'putting out feelers' for another gig — though he admits, 'nobody wants me at my age.' 'But I'll keep trying,' he said. Tucker has no intention of stepping away from his current workload. But for anyone thinking about throwing in the towel, he's got a word of advice. 'If they retire from their work, they should at least do something as a hobby, whether it be communal work or self-hobbies,' he told TODAY. 'You need a stimulus for the brain daily.' Science backs him up. Studies show that having a sense of purpose, continually learning new things and engaging in activities that require problem-solving, creativity and attention are key for staying mentally sharp into old age. 5 Tucker is one of the oldest people to receive a law degree. drhowardtucker/Instagram The average American lifespan was 77.5 years in 2022 — and Tucker blew past that long ago. His parents lived to 84 and 96, but he said 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,' Tucker wrote in his Guinness submission. For Tucker, happiness comes from work, his wife of over 70 years, their four kids, 10 grandchildren — and a lifelong love for Cleveland sports. Research shows that people with strong social connections and a positive outlook tend to outlive those who are isolated or depressed. 5 Tucker has been married to his wife for more than 70 years. drhowardtucker/Instagram Tucker has also made staying active a lifelong priority. Writing for CNBC, Tucker said he's always avoided letting himself get out of shape. He gave up skiing after a fall in his late 80s left him with a broken neck, but he continues to snowshoe and hits the treadmill for at least three miles a day in his home gym. Tucker noted that even small habits make a difference, with studies suggesting just 15 minutes of walking a day can cut the risk of early death by nearly 25%. 5 The documentary about Tucker's life, What's Next, was the People's Voice Winner at the 2025 Webby Awards. Getty Images for The Webby Awards His diet is simple. On the mindbodygreen podcast, Tucker said he starts his day with seasonal fruit and sometimes cereal, washed down with 2% milk and a cup of tea instead of coffee. He usually skips lunch to stay sharp, and dinner is typically fish and vegetables — especially broccoli — with the occasional serving of meat. He and his wife end the day with something sweet, sometimes fruit, sometimes ice cream. Trucker rarely drinks but makes an exception for his favorite cocktail. 'I love my martinis,' he told Medical Economics. He's never touched a cigarette. With his 103rd birthday around the corner in July, Tucker isn't wasting time worrying about the end. '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.'
