Dr. Howard Tucker, a practicing neurologist for over seven decades and still actively treating patients at 101 years old, has shared his own prescription for staying mentally sharp. The Cleveland-born doctor has refused to slow down in old age and continues to maintain his professional life by avoiding retirement. In fact, he even decided to attend law school at the age of 60 and passed the Ohio Bar exam seven years later.
Dr. Tucker’s job involves problem-solving and making complex decisions regarding patient care, often relying on the latest advancements in neurology that he constantly researches to keep his brain engaged. Additionally, he maintains a healthy social life with his wife, Sara, an 89-year-old practicing psychiatrist. The couple frequently goes out to dinner with neighbors and friends, which contributes to their memory and cognitive function.
Dr. Tucker’s exceptionally long life can be attributed partly to favorable genetics but also to his commitment to a lifestyle that experts studying centenarians consider crucial. In fact, he holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest practicing doctor at 101 years old.
Many individuals find purpose and meaning through their work, and retirement can potentially compromise that. This is precisely why Dr. Tucker continues to see patients at his practice every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Last year, he was awarded another Guinness World Record for being the oldest working physician. Speaking to CNBC, Dr. Tucker mentioned, “My job requires me to constantly review medical subjects and critically analyze problems. Keeping my brain busy by staying up to date with the latest developments in neurology is essential.”
By deferring a life of leisure in retirement and actively treating patients, Dr. Tucker derives a great sense of purpose in his life. This sense of purpose is commonly observed in Blue Zones, which are five regions worldwide where people frequently live to the age of 100 in good health. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association followed approximately 7,000 adults above the age of 50 and assessed their life purpose through questionnaires. The researchers assigned scores to quantify their life purpose and followed up with them five years later. The results revealed that individuals with the lowest life purpose scores were twice as likely to have died compared to those with the highest scores.
Dr. Dilip Jeste, an aging expert at the University of California San Diego College of Medicine, explained, “Retirement can be a significant factor for many individuals, especially men. Work defines the purpose in life, and when retirement comes, or is forced, that purpose is suddenly lost.” Even during the Covid pandemic, which posed a serious threat to the elderly, Dr. Tucker did not rest. Despite being in the population cohort most susceptible to severe Covid outcomes, he continued to see his patients. He stated, “I genuinely love what I do, so going to the hospital to treat my patients was a no-brainer. As a physician, it is my responsibility to care for my patients. I took the necessary precautions to stay safe and protect myself, but I still went to work as if it were any other day.”
Apart from being a practicing neurologist for over 70 years, Dr. Tucker holds a law degree and has successfully passed the Ohio State Bar Exam. He and his wife, Sara, who is still an active psychiatrist at 89 years old, maintain a robust social circle and enjoy exploring new restaurants with friends and relatives. Being socially connected is crucial for a healthy and long life. Studies have shown that individuals with strong social relationships have a 50 percent higher chance of survival than those with weak social connections.
Unfortunately, at his age, Dr. Tucker has lost many close friends, family members, and colleagues. However, his profession has allowed him to build relationships with younger colleagues. He frequently dines with his daughter and son, along with their spouses, at least twice a week. Additionally, he enjoys trying new restaurants with friends and colleagues. Maintaining a social life is crucial because humans inherently rely on relationships with others, especially during old age. Dr. Carolyn Aldwin, the director of the Center for Healthy Aging Research at Oregon State University, emphasizes the importance of being involved in a community, stating, “In any metropolitan area or small town, you can find a place where older adults gather daily. Being part of a community in a positive way is truly important.”
Dr. Tucker is an avid reader who not only focuses on academic papers and clinical studies but also indulges in mystery novels and biographies. He believes that immersing oneself in a good book, whether fiction or non-fiction, stimulates the brain and plays a key role in maintaining mental sharpness.
When asked about retirement, Dr. Tucker adamantly responded, “Gosh no!” He firmly believes that retirement is the enemy of longevity and has never considered it, even in his younger years.
By actively engaging in his profession, maintaining social connections, and challenging his mind through reading, Dr. Tucker exemplifies a purpose-driven approach to life that contributes to his remarkable longevity and well-being.
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