Doctor shares 103-year-old patient’s ‘secret’ to living long and happy life

A centenarian has revealed what they believe could be the ‘secret’ to a long life

A doctor has revealed a centenarian’s ‘secret’ to reaching 100 years of age. For many people, leading a long and healthy life is the ultimate goal. People want to reduce their risk of developing chronic illnesses and increase the time they spend with loved ones.

Posting on TikTok as @Dr.tulsipatel, Dr Tulsi, who describes herself as an Emergency Medicine Locum Doctor, shared a tip that could help people live better for longer. In a video post, Dr Tulsi recalled a memorable conversation that she’d had with a 103-year-old patient.

Dr Tulsi shared a video captioned: “Longevity Tips 101.” In the video, she explained that she had asked the centenarian what they believed could be the secret to their long life.

Recalling the conversation in her video, Dr Tulsi wrote: “Asked my 103-year-old patient… ‘What’s your secret?’ And do you know what they replied? ‘Having friends.'”

While there are many factors associated with longevity, the NHS acknowledges that having good-quality relationships can help people live longer and happier lives. NHS England’s website explains: “Having close, positive relationships can give us a purpose and sense of belonging.

“Loneliness and isolation remain the key predictors for poor psychological and physical health. Having a lack of good relationships and long-term feelings of loneliness have been shown by a range of studies to be associated with higher rates of mortality, poor physical health outcomes and lower life satisfaction.”

The Mayo Clinic also acknowledges the importance of friendships. Advice on the website adds: “Friends also play a big role in your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a lower risk of many health problems.

“That includes depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy weight. In fact, studies have found that older adults who have close friends and healthy social supports are likely to live longer than do their peers who have fewer friends.”

Despite this, people often experience loneliness at some point in their lives. The NHS Better Health website offers advice for dealing with loneliness. It’s recommended to:

• Keep in touch with people
• Join a group
• Do things you enjoy
• Share your feelings
• Connect with others or volunteer to help
• Invite someone along to activities near you

Other factors commonly associated with a healthy lifestyle include eating a balanced diet, getting good sleep, reducing stress, and stopping or drinking less alcohol.

Always speak to a GP if you have any concerns about your mental or physical health. Support and resources are available for people dealing with loneliness. For instance, the Mind website has information about dealing with loneliness, and CALM runs a free phone line and web chat that’s open 5pm to midnight every day. Call 0800 58 58 58 for a confidential and anonymous chat.