102-year-old American Dr. Howard Tucker has made his place in the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living physician. He believes that loneliness is a more dangerous habit than alcohol and smoking.

Many recent researches show that loneliness and social isolation can have as much or even more bad effects on our health as drinking alcohol or smoking. It is not just an emotional feeling, but has emerged as a serious health risk factor. Loneliness increases chronic stress, which can increase blood pressure. Immunity can weaken and the risk of heart diseases increases. Some studies even suggest that loneliness can be as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.  

Not only this, loneliness has been found to be directly linked to depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. In older people, it can also increase the risk of dementia. People who feel lonely often have trouble sleeping or their sleep quality is poor. This has a negative impact on overall health. Apart from this, lonely people often adopt unhealthy lifestyles, such as less physical activity, unhealthy eating habits and sometimes resorting to alcohol or drugs, which further deteriorates their health.

The secret to a long and satisfying life is living purposefully

102-year-old American Dr. Howard Tucker has made his place in the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living physician. He believes that a habit more dangerous than alcohol and smoking is "loneliness". He says that loneliness can cause heart disease, depression and other health problems. He says that if there is no purpose in your life, then no miracle diet or supplement can give you a long life. In an interview, Dr. Tucker said that retirement is the enemy of longevity. According to him, the formula for a long and satisfying life is not in any pill, but in living a purposeful life. 

Continuous Activity and Learning

Dr. Tucker advocates staying intellectually and emotionally active rather than withdrawing from the busyness of life. He says that hobbies, volunteer work, or even light responsibilities can stimulate the brain. According to him, continuous learning and curiosity are essential mental exercises that help maintain cognitive clarity. Dr. Tucker practiced medicine till the age of 100 and stayed only because the hospital he was associated with closed in 2022. 

Relationships and Personal Passion

In addition to professional activities, Dr. Tucker draws strength from deep relationships and personal passions. He has been married for more than 70 years and is the proud head of a large family of four children and ten grandchildren. These strong family bonds, along with his unwavering loyalty to his hometown sports teams, provide him with constant emotional support and joy. Research has also repeatedly shown that people with deep emotional attachments and an optimistic approach to life often enjoy long and healthy lives.

Importance of learning and physical activity

Dr. Tucker is not just a doctor, but also a legal scholar. He earned his law degree at the age of 67… proving that age is never a barrier to academic or personal growth. When asked about mortality, he takes a realistic approach and says that the inevitability of death adds to the value of life. For him, accepting the end motivates a person to embrace the present with enthusiasm. Physical activity is another pillar of Tucker’s philosophy. He stresses the importance of daily activity and says that even a simple 15-minute walk can significantly reduce the possibility of premature death. 

A balanced diet is important.

His diet is based on balance and moderation. He starts his morning with seasonal fruits or cereals with low-fat milk and prefers tea over coffee. To maintain mental clarity, he often skips lunch and dinner usually consists of fish or a variety of vegetables, especially broccoli, and occasionally meat.