A full house was on hand to hear from two remarkable people who have unlocked the secrets to living long, purposeful lives. This panel discussion brought together 103-year-old Dr. Howard Tucker (via Zoom), the world’s oldest practicing physician, and Albert Ratner, renowned philanthropist and community leader approaching his centennial, as they share what it truly takes to reach 100 and beyond.
It was moderated by Dr. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer Emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and leading expert on aging and longevity. Dr. Roizen’s groundbreaking research suggests that emerging medical advances could add decades to the human lifespan—making the wisdom our panelists share even more relevant for future generations.
About the speakers and moderator
Dr. Howard Tucker is a living legend in the medical community. At 103 years old, he holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest practicing physician, with a remarkable career spanning over seven decades, practicing both neurology and psychiatry. While he attributes one-third of longevity to genetics, Dr. Tucker emphasizes that the rest comes down to the choices we make. His most powerful choice has been to carry no hate for any ethnic group, religious affiliation, or race. “Hatred is devastating to the person who hates,” he explains, noting how it elevates pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure. It does more harm to the person holding it than to anyone else. Dr. Tucker continues to see patients and teach at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, embodying his belief that staying engaged, purposeful, and free from hate is the true key to longevity.
Albert Ratner is a visionary philanthropist, community builder, and business leader whose impact on Northeast Ohio and beyond spans generations. As co-chairman emeritus of Forest City Realty Trust, he helped transform urban landscapes across America. Beyond his business achievements, Mr. Ratner has been a tireless advocate for education, healthcare, and Jewish communal life, serving on numerous boards and receiving recognition, including induction into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. His philosophy centers on building community, giving back, and staying actively involved in making the world better—all principles that have guided him to 100 with continued energy and purpose.
Dr. Michael Roizen serves as Chief Wellness Officer Emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and is one of the nation’s foremost authorities on aging and longevity. Creator of the RealAge concept and author of multiple bestselling books, including The Great Age Reboot, Dr. Roizen has dedicated his career to helping people understand how lifestyle choices can dramatically affect biological age versus chronological age. His research and advocacy focus on practical strategies that can help people live younger, healthier lives well into their later years.
Dr. Tucker credits his exceptional longevity to more than just genetics. He points to regular exercise, intellectual curiosity, humor, and most significantly, a complete refusal to hate. His philosophy is simple but profound: Don’t smoke. Don’t hate. And don’t retire unless you absolutely have to. At 103, the neurologist has been working in medicine for almost 80 years. Guinness World Records has named him the world’s oldest practicing doctor. Tucker stopped seeing patients a few years ago, but he’s still on teaching staff and has students. "Retirement, I think, is the enemy of longevity," Tucker has said.
He received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1947 and passed the Ohio Bar Exam at age 67 just because he was interested in law!
He said, "Be happy in what you do, be loving to your friends and family, and just don't fret about the future. Life is short enough."
Albert Ratner shared his approach to longevity centered on what he calls the “3 P’s”: Purpose, Playfulness, and Posse. He emphasizes that having a reason to get up each morning is essential to thriving in later years. His outlook focuses on helping others and staying engaged: when you ask, “What can I do to help you?” it not only serves others but makes your own challenges feel lighter. That's Purpose.
Albert Ratner's great sense of humor (Playfulness) was on display. He was born in 1927 and Dr. Tucker in 1922 so when Dr. Roizen asked him the first question he suggested that they ask Dr. Tucker first saying "Age before beauty."
He told of how when Dr. Roizen said he should walk 10,000 steps every day he jokingly replied, "I'd rather die." He has had 17 heart stents but has modified his diet and lifestyle and lost 30 pounds and he says he feels better than he has in years.
Posse refers to having social interactions - family, friends, associates as well as a team of medical and other experts. Isolation is a killer - literally.
Both panelists discussed the profound importance of community connections, staying actively engaging in meaningful work, and maintaining an optimistic outlook.
Albert Ratner and Dr. Michael Roizen
Dr. Roizen's comments were mainly about the incredible medical advances we are witnessing and expecting like DNA and stem cell manipulation. Regeneration of body parts and cells - even 3-D printing of organs custom to our bodies! In 2022, Dr. Roizen published a book with Albert Ratner and Peter Linneman Ph.D. called The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow.
It was a valuable event full of lots of information that I am still digesting but my basic takeways are to:
- Avoid negatives - mentally and physically - such as hate, negativity, smoking, consuming the wrong things and so on.
- Have a Purpose - Keep working, learning and staying active as long as you can. Help others.
- Have fun - Mr.Ratner's Playfulness philosophy will keep you positive and engaged. It will also help with isolation as others are drawn to a happy, playful person.
- Don't be a loner - spend time with family and friends as much as possible. Engage with experts, medical and others, to assist.
As they were wrapping up, the speakers said they looked forward to seeing everyone back again next year. I do too.
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