I was never really physically active, and I think exercise is over-rated (laughs.) My exercise has always been limited to walks and playing my violin.
That’s reassuring since I’m not crazy about going to the gym. But every doctor says eat right and exercise and you’ll add years to your life.
Well, I’ve never subscribed to that much. I will tell you I have never smoked and rarely drank, maybe just a sip of wine at dinners. But I don’t believe that necessarily has helped me live to 103. I’ve never been one of those people who pay a lot of attention to nutrition. I’ve eaten what I’ve enjoyed all of my life.
For breakfast, that’s eggs and maybe some smoked salmon. For lunch I have a sandwich. I used to bring a bologna sandwich to work, and people would kid me all the time. For supper, I’ll just have some soup or chicken. And I like ice cream. Vanilla. It’s important to enjoy your life and enjoy what you eat.
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You also need to pick the right spouse and encourage sex. Enjoy your work or don’t do it, and under no circumstances should you retire voluntarily.
Exercise, only if you must. Avoid vitamins, organic foods, fish oils, and other so-called nutrients. Don’t bother with special diets. Be happy and be lucky.
Also, keep breathing. That’s absolutely critical to longevity.
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writing for them, mostly shows. It’s very enjoyable, and it makes me happy, and that’s important no matter what your age.
As people age, they have a tendency to look backward. Do you do that?
Sometimes, probably more now than I ever did. But I also look forward, and I think that’s very important to what some people may call successful aging. I look forward to my work, and I love my family and my friends. But when I look back, it’s still amazing to me how things have changed in my field (rheumatology) and how people’s lives have improved.
Do you ever want to retire?
Oh no, absolutely not. As long as the university will have me, and as long as my brain is good, I’m going to keep on working. It’s just important to stay engaged, mentally active, whether you’re 30 or 103.
