A seasoned nutritionist, who is now 101 years old, continues to lead a healthy and active life and has revealed his strategies for longevity and wellness.
Doctor John Scharffenberg, hailing from California, was born in December 1923 and maintains an autonomous lifestyle at the age of 101.
He remains active by driving, traveling, and running his own YouTube channel called Viva Longevity!
Despite suggestions that his extended lifespan might be due to genetics or luck, Dr. Scharffenberg dismisses this notion. He has surpassed the lifespans of both his brothers and explained that his parents passed away due to various health issues, with his mother succumbing to Alzheimer’s in her 60s and his father to a heart attack at 76.
So, what advice does he offer for those who wish to emulate his longevity?
Dr. Scharffenberg attributes a significant part of his longevity to never having smoked. He emphasizes avoiding tobacco as a top priority for those seeking a longer life.
The detrimental effects of tobacco are well-known, with the CDC highlighting its negative impact on nearly every organ in the human body and its link to diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
While some might find it difficult to accept, Dr. Scharffenberg also abstains from alcohol, countering the belief that a daily glass of wine is beneficial.
He argues that any alcohol consumption, regardless of the amount, increases the risk of cancer, a claim supported by a cancer biologist who stated that even a single drink raises the likelihood of developing the disease.
Excessive sugar intake is another concern. According to the NHS, it can lead to weight gain and tooth decay. Dr. Scharffenberg often modifies recipes to reduce sugar content.
One of his preferred adaptations involves using oats to make waffles, which are then topped with berries, cashew cream, and bananas instead of sugary syrup.
For Dr. Scharffenberg, regular exercise is crucial for longevity, possibly distinguishing him from his less active brothers.
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense; even activities like brisk walking or gardening can be effective. He once maintained a two-acre garden, cultivating thousands of strawberry plants, fruit trees, and grapevines to stay fit.
“I did it all by myself, so I exercised a lot,” he shared. “I worked hard. Even though I’m a nutritionist, exercise is even more important than nutrition.”
Dr. Scharffenberg points out that the timing of exercise is critical, particularly during middle age, between 40 and 70. This is when people often become more sedentary and indulge more, which he believes is counterproductive.
He also referenced a study showing that individuals who walk more than two miles a day have a mortality rate half that of those who do not walk.
In line with maintaining fitness, he advises keeping weight within a healthy range.
To assist in this, Dr. Scharffenberg practices intermittent fasting, consuming breakfast and lunch but skipping dinner. Some researchers suggest this approach aids in weight management and can even reverse certain diseases, as noted by John Hopkins Medicine.
Dr. Scharffenberg follows the Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s principles, adhering to a predominantly plant-based diet that includes milk and eggs.
As a vegetarian since the age of 20, he favors fruits and vegetables, especially mangos, persimmons, macadamias, nuts, seeds, and potatoes.
Lastly, he advises reducing saturated fat intake, emphasizing in one of his presentations: “The optimum diet is the vegetarian diet.”
“I pray that all of you will live the right lifestyle.”
Advice taken to heart!