Everything A 101-Year-Old Neurologist Eats In A Day For Longevity

At 101 years old (!), neurologist Howard Tucker, M.D., has no plans to retire any time soon. (In fact, he calls retirement the “enemy of longevity,” on the mindbodygreen podcast.) Not only does he genuinely enjoy his work, but he also maintains his hobbies, exercises regularly, and socializes with fun-loving friends who “keep him young.” 

Breakfast always includes fruit—whatever is in season. “Citrus during the winter and melon during the summer,” Tucker shares. “I like raspberries, but my wife doesn't, so I just keep those on the side.” He’ll cut up those pieces of fruit, arrange them on a plate, and pair it with a glass of 2% milk. “Sometimes [we’ll have] cereal,” he adds, but fruit is a breakfast staple. 

While coffee has been associated with a reduced risk of several chronic conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders1 like Alzheimer’s disease, Tucker and his wife prefer tea. 

“I usually skip lunch,” Tucker notes. It’s not something he recommends for everyone, as you should listen to your body’s natural hunger cues. If you’re at all sluggish or drowsy, you should certainly take time to eat. 

 The most surprising item on Tucker’s menu? His Friday night martini. “After I come home from the hospital and [my wife] has finished working, too, we sit down and please ourselves with a martini,” he shares. It’s not an everyday indulgence, but it does make him happy—and joy is an integral part of longevity! 

 “Rarely do we have cake or pies for dessert,” Tucker says. “Sometimes we eat another piece of fruit, or sometimes we don't have anything.” Dinner is usually his last meal, “although we do cheat and eat a little ice cream,” he adds. “But I don't think that's so bad for you.”