By Kelan Ern

Few things fire me up more than those who get fit and keep climbing the mountain of athleticism despite the odds: Dr. Howard Tucker is a prime example. Tucker was born… wait for it… in July of 1922! He has been married to his wife for 66 years and has four kids and 10 grandkids. Plus, this 101-year-old is still working full time as a neurologist!

While many people are fortunate just to break a hundred, those who do are rarely still working at their primary career. What’s his secret? Good genetics? Tucker believes they definitely play a role, but they aren’t the only reason. He says, “Genetics is a head start, but no more than that.”

Daily exercise? Outside of working each day, he simply runs on the treadmill a few times per week. Besides these, he shares three tips for his unbelievable (quality) longevity.

#1: Don’t retire entirely.

Most of Tucker’s daily work schedule consists of working, as normal. Morning is spent doing hospital rounds and afternoon is in his office. “I think retirement remains the enemy of longevity,” he says. He believes the more interested and curious we are about the world around us, and the more we can take pleasure in the work we do, the better.

#2: Think young.

One way Tucker does this is by setting goals and making plans that he looks forward to. An upcoming one for him is to hike the Alps. He’s noticed that friends of his who started seeing themselves as old have been the ones who haven’t lived as long. He also says it is important to think young, and he consciously spends time with people younger than him. “I have good friends who are in their 70s and 80s, and they keep me young.”

#3: Loving relationships.

Tucker attributes much of his longevity to his relationship with his wife and the connection that he has with his family. He stays involved in their lives and has learned a crucial lesson in all relationships: Let go of hatred. He says the tension, frustration, and judgement isn’t worth holding onto, and it hurts us more than the other person.

While these tips may be simple (or even basic), there’s something to be said about the power of each one (especially compounded). And while not everyone may not reach the centenarian milestone of Tucker, without a doubt our health, fitness, and well-being would be greatly enhanced if we took his tips to heart.

Kelan Ern is a fitness coach who writes for www.medium.com. Learn more at .