My 3 rules for a long, happy life are simple
Howard Tucker died at the age of 103 on December 22, 2025, shortly after writing this article for CNBC Make It. It is published here with the permission of his family.
I worked as a neurologist for more than 75 years and continued until my hospital closed in 2022. I am now 103 years old and was recently named the oldest doctor ever. Guinness World Records — people often ask how I stay happy, fit, and fulfilled.
I don’t believe there is one magic answer. Good genes and good luck can definitely give you an advantage. But over the years, I have come to believe that there are a few principles that are very important.
These are my three indispensable things for a long and meaningful life; They are simple and almost anyone can follow them.
1. Keep your mind busy
I tell all my patients that the mind is like any other muscle in the body: If you don’t use it, it gets weak.
My job encourages me to think, learn and solve interesting problems. As one chapter of my medical career ended, I found another way to continue medical-legal studies and learning how to use social media. I’m not looking for an excuse to stop.
After working full time as a doctor in my early 60s, I went to law school at nights. I passed the Ohio Bar Exam at age 67. I never set out to break any records. I did this because, like medicine, law interests me and I have always believed it is important to continue learning.
Work doesn’t have to mean a job or a career. It could mean volunteering, reading, learning a skill, playing music, joining a club, or finding any activity that keeps your mind active.
I’ve seen many people slow down after they stop interacting with the world. In my experience, staying mentally active is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
2. Don’t carry hatred
When people ask me about my longevity, most want to know about a secret diet or exercise. Diet and exercise are important, of course. But I also think your perspective on life is important.
I’ve been around for a long time. Like everyone else, I experience disappointment, loss, and injustice. But I don’t think it ever makes sense to carry hate with me.
Anger and resentment take away energy. They pay a physical price. In my opinion, they harm the person carrying them more than anyone else. Anger can raise your blood pressure, increase stress hormones, and increase your risk of heart disease over time. Not to mention the mental energy it takes to hate someone.
You don’t need to forget every mistake or excuse bad behavior. The important thing is not to let pain take over your life. I’ve always thought it’s healthier to move forward, take care of other people, and focus your energy on the things that give life meaning.
3. Enjoy everything in moderation
I don’t believe that living well means depriving yourself of all pleasures.
I enjoy my martini. I enjoy a good steak. Sue, my wife of 68 years, is a great cook and we always eat well. We also believe in balance in everything, lots of salads, vegetables, and moderation.
To me, moderation is what makes long-term enjoyment possible. Take a sensible approach to what you eat. The same goes for many areas of life. Too much of anything can wear you out. Few can do the same.
So the best advice I can give is to keep your mind active, let go of resentment and enjoy life. Every day is a chance to live well, so why not make the most of it?
Dr. Howard Tucker He was a neurologist from Cleveland, Ohio. He was named “Oldest Doctor Ever” at 103, according to Guinness World Records. Throughout the pandemic, St. He taught medical residents and treated patients at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and also taught law students at Case Western Reserve University. He also starred in the feature documentary, “What’s Next?It is produced by his grandson Austin Tucker and directed and produced by Taylor Taglianetti.
Looking to get ahead at work? Then you need to learn how to make effective small talk. In CNBC’s new online course, How to Talk to People at Workexpert trainers share practical strategies to help you use everyday conversations to gain visibility, build meaningful relationships, and accelerate your career growth. Sign up today!
