2023-08-11 17:53:40
When Tucker was born in 1922, the average adult life expectancy was 58 years and 61 for women.
Dr. Howard Tucker is the world’s longest-serving practicing physician. Specializing in neurology, at the age of 101 he has been practicing the profession for more than 70 years.
And within the framework of an increase in life expectancy, which leads people to look for tools to achieve a healthy longevity, who but he can know how to cognitively reach that stage of life.
As for how he keeps his brain in shape, he acknowledged that “genetics and a little bit of luck” may have given him an advantage. However, he recognized that there is a principle that he lives by and that anyone can put into practice.
Tucker acknowledged that “genetics and a little luck” may have given him some advantage (Infobae Illustrative Image)
“I keep my mind busy through work, social and entertainment activities”, Tucker revealed the secret that, for him, allows him to continue practicing Neurology at his age.
“As we age, we go through natural changes that affect our mental processing abilities,” he explained. Some areas of the brain may shrink, communication between neurons may become less effective, and blood flow may decrease.”
And after remarking that “like any other muscle in the body, the mind needs constant exercise to thrive,” he shared his three daily habits to improve the health of your brain.
1- Work
Howard Tucker is a neurologist and has practiced the specialty for more than seven decades.
The investigations show a correlation between retirement and increased cognitive decline. Numerous studies highlight a significant negative effect of retirement on the functioning of cognitive abilities.
And that’s why Tucker hasn’t retired yet. “Guinness World Records named me the world’s oldest practicing physician,” he recounted, noting that Sara, his wife of 66 years, is also still practicing psychoanalysis and psychiatry at 89.
Your job requires you to review medical topics and analyze what’s new in your specialty. For him, keeping up with the latest advances in neurology keeps his brain busy. Additionally, volunteering, pursuing a hobby, and learning new skills can also provide great mental stimulation. In this sense, it should be noted that at the age of 60, the neurologist began studying Law at night, after completing his full-time medical practice. He graduated as a lawyer at the age of 67.
2- Stay socially active
Scientific studies warned that loneliness and unhappiness are as bad for health as smoking (Getty)
Again, supported by the latest scientific evidence, it indicated that strong relationships can help maintain memory and cognitive function.
Recent studies were able to confirm that frequent socialization prolongs the lives of older people. In addition, among other variables, the research concluded that the more people you socialize with, the greater the benefits. Tucker knows this, and while acknowledging that many of his closest friends, family and colleagues have unfortunately passed away at his age, he celebrated that it was because of his work that he was able to build relationships with younger colleagues.
“Sara and I also make it a priority to have dinner with people from our community,” he said. At least twice a week we eat with my daughter and her husband and my son and her wife. We also enjoy trying new restaurants with friends and colleagues.”
3- Read for entertainment
According to a study, the intellectual exercise of reading continues the development of the brain in adults (Illustrative image Infobae)
The neurologist confessed that when he is not reading about the latest advances and treatments in neurology, he likes to read biographies and detective stories. “Diving into a good book, fiction or nonfiction, requires your brain to process a lot of new information. I think this is key to keeping your mind sharp, ”he considered.
According to studies, reading is not only an important factor in the intellectual development of children and young people, but also adults benefit from its exercise effect to stop cognitive decline and increase the ability to understand the social world. Reading books counts as exercise for the brain and even improves emotional intelligence, according to different research.
In previous interviews, Tucker had said that he does not smoke, and is physically active. Although he can no longer practice swimming, running or skiing, sports he did until he was almost 80 years old, he walks almost three miles on the treadmill, at a moderate pace, almost daily. He does it with music or a movie in the background, to motivate himself.
Finally, the neurologist recognized that although he is moderate in food and drink and follows a healthy and balanced diet, “neither extreme is positive.” “So, it is not good to suppress the likes, nor is it good to give them constantly,” he stressed. And he concluded: “The secret to longevity is that there are no secrets. We live every day and die only once, so we must make the most of the time we have.”
Keep reading
People with active social lives live longer because they age better. The real secret to longevity? Living 20 more years is possible if these 8 healthy habits are followed A longevity expert from Harvard revealed the details of his reverse aging method
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