Howard Tucker passed away at the age of 103 on December 22, 2025, shortly after writing this essay for CNBC Make It. It is published here with the permission of the family.
I practiced as a neurologist for over 75 years until my hospital closed in 2022. Now 103 years old and recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest doctor in history, people often ask me how I stay happy, clear-headed, and fulfilled.
I don’t believe there is one magic answer. With good genes and some luck, you can definitely get a head start. However, over the years I have come to believe that there are some very important principles.
These are my three non-negotiables for living a long and meaningful life. These are simple and can be followed by almost anyone.
1. Keep your mind focused
I tell all my patients that the mind is like any other muscle in the body: if you don’t use it, it weakens.
Working allows you to think, learn, and solve interesting problems. As this chapter of my medical career ended, I continued my medico-legal review and found other ways to learn how to use social media. I’m not looking for an excuse to quit.
In my early 60s, I worked full time as a doctor and then attended law school at night. I passed the Ohio bar exam at age 67. I never tried to break any records. I took this job because I am interested in law as well as medicine and have always believed in the importance of continuing to learn.
Work doesn’t have to mean a job or a career. That might mean volunteering, reading, learning a skill, playing music, joining a club, or finding an activity that keeps your mind active.
I have seen many people slow down when they stop engaging with the world. In my experience, staying mentally active is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
2. Don’t bring hatred
When people ask me about my longevity, most people want to know about my secret diet and exercise regimen. Of course, diet and exercise are important. But I think your outlook on life is also important.
I’ve been there for a long time. Like everyone else, I experience disappointment, loss, and injustice. But I never think there’s any point in continuing to hate.
Anger and resentment require energy. It takes a physical toll. In my view, they harm the person carrying it more than anyone else. Anger can raise blood pressure, increase stress hormones, and increase your risk of heart disease over time. Not to mention the mental energy that goes into hating someone.
There is no need to forget all your mistakes or make excuses for bad behavior. The important thing is to not let bitterness control your life. I’ve always felt it’s healthier to move forward, stay interested in others, and focus my energy on things that give meaning to my life.
3. Enjoy everything in moderation.
I believe that living well does not mean denying yourself all pleasures.
Enjoying a martini. Enjoy delicious steak. My wife of 68 years, Sue, is an amazing cook and we always have delicious food. We also believe in balance, eating plenty of salads and vegetables, and practicing moderation in all things.
For me, moderation is what allows for enjoyment in the long run. Take a wise approach to what you eat. The same is true in many areas of life. If you do too much of anything, you will get tired. Too little can do the same thing.
Therefore, the best advice I can give is to keep your mind active, let go of bitterness, and enjoy life. Every day is an opportunity to live well, so why not make the most of it?
Dr. Howard Tucker was a neurologist from Cleveland, Ohio. At 103 years old, he was named the “oldest doctor in history” by the Guinness Book of World Records. Throughout the pandemic, he taught residents and treated patients at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, as well as law students at Case Western Reserve University. He also starred in the feature documentary What’s Next?, produced by his grandson Austin Tucker and directed and produced by Taylor Taglianetti.
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