An essay written by Dr. Howard Tucker, a neurologist recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest practicing doctor, was published by CNBC on May 10, 2026. The article, released with his family’s permission, outlines the principles he followed for a long life shortly before his death on Dec. 22, 2025, at the age of 103.
According to the biographical information accompanying the essay, Tucker practiced medicine for more than 75 years. He continued to treat patients at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland and teach medical residents until the hospital ceased inpatient services in 2022.
In the posthumously published piece, Tucker identified three personal rules for a long and fulfilling life.
The first principle he detailed was keeping the mind actively engaged. Tucker wrote that he viewed the mind as a muscle that weakens without use. He cited his own experiences, which included attending law school at night while working as a physician in his 60s and passing the Ohio Bar Exam at age 67. He stated that his work in both medicine and medical-legal review provided continuous intellectual challenges.
The second principle outlined in his writing was the importance of not harboring resentment. Tucker wrote that anger and hatred consume energy and can have a negative physical impact. In the essay, he expressed the view that such emotions can increase stress and are more detrimental to the person experiencing them than to anyone else. He advocated for moving forward and focusing energy on more meaningful aspects of life.
Tucker’s third point was practicing moderation. He wrote that he did not believe in complete self-denial, giving examples of his enjoyment of a martini or a steak. He stressed, however, the importance of balance in diet and other areas of life. According to the essay, this approach to moderation was central to his philosophy of long-term well-being.
Tucker’s career was the subject of a documentary titled “What’s Next?”. The film was produced by his grandson, Austin Tucker, and directed by Taylor Taglianetti. Throughout his later years, Tucker remained active in his professional community, which included teaching law students at Case Western Reserve University during the COVID-19 pandemic.
