According to Today, Dr. Howard Tucker has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest practicing doctor in the world. At 100 years old, this neurologist has dedicated 75 years to the medical field and currently goes to the office twice a week.
“I think when you retire, one faces the risk of becoming withered and ultimately ending their life in a nursing home. Living and working is really joyful… it’s a wonderful job. Every day I learn something new,” said the 100-year-old doctor.
Mr. Tucker was born on July 10, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. This humorous centenarian recounts that when his entire family gathered to celebrate his 100th birthday last month, he received a “COVID-19 gift” from a relative. This person hugged him to congratulate him and “gifted” him the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Fortunately, he recovered quickly after being infected.
Not only surviving the pandemic, he has also witnessed significant historical milestones in America and the world such as the Great Depression of the 1930s, World War II, and a century filled with successive historical crises.
Mr. Tucker has never faced any serious illnesses except for a broken neck from skiing in his 80s, from which he also recovered.
Sharing with Today about his secret to longevity, Mr. Tucker believes that a favorable start is a genetic advantage. He inherited longevity genes from his ancestors, but he also pays special attention to his diet, controls alcohol consumption, and lives happily. The genetic advantage is real, as Mr. Tucker’s mother lived to be 84, while his father lived to 96.
Mr. Tucker never smoked, he drinks a little during social gatherings and sometimes has a martini on Friday nights. Regarding food, he enjoys everything in moderation.
He regularly swims, jogs, and skis. He still maintains a daily workout routine with a home gym.
Another notable highlight of Dr. Tucker’s extraordinary life is that at the age of 67, he passed the Ohio Bar Exam because, besides medicine, he is also interested in law.
With so much inspiration, Dr. Tucker’s life has been featured in a documentary titled “What’s Next?” The film is currently in the post-production phase.