Sami’s Blog: The World’s oldest man shares his 3 tips for living a long, happy life

Sami’s Blog: The World’s oldest man shares his 3 tips for living a long, happy life

I was recently scrolling through my daily news feed when I saw the above headline!  I’m in, I instantly thought. Nestled in between a Taylor and Travis update and an ad for 20% off Homewares, was an article that would potentially change my life. Surely there were nuggets of gold here, a healthy 111-year-old must be doing something right. I had to find out his secrets, I might even take notes or at least forward them to my husband.

I clicked on and read with bated breath, was it going to be some kind of magic elixir he learned to make from his grandma, or an ancient Buddhist breathing technique?  Mr John Tinniswood still gets himself in and out of bed, he still even manages his own finances. So, what is the key to being 111 years young? Fish and Chips. Yep, you heard me, Fish and Chips. Mr Tinniswood doesn’t follow a specific diet, and told Guinness World Records: “I eat what they give me, and so does everybody else” — apart from eating the British classic, battered fish and chips, for dinner every Friday. “If you drink too much, or you eat too much, or you walk too much, if you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually,” he said. So, “never over-tax your system” for a healthy life. John goes on to add “But no matter what you’re doing, always do the best you can, whether you’re learning something or whether you’re teaching someone,” he told Guinness World Records. “Give it all you’ve got. Otherwise, it’s not worth bothering with.” I must admit I was a little deflated by these seemingly bland, boring life hacks. Don’t walk too much, eat fish and chips and do your best. Not exactly a revelation in 2024 John! I’ll go back to getting my life hacks from Instagram thanks.

But as I went to click back to Taylor and Travis, I stopped to think. I re-read the article. John doesn’t seem inspiring in 2024 because he is from 1912. He doesn’t care about the same things we do today. He isn’t searching for more money, more friends, more stuff. He’s clearly not worried about going to the gym to get a 6 pack or working weekends to get a pay rise. Imagine re writing your own goals and using the words “less” in them. Less technology, Less stress, less homewares, less go go go, but of course more Friday night Take away. Who’s life goals wouldn’t be better with this advice? I know mine would.