A 96-year-old doctor retired only 4 years ago. He credits his longevity to career passion, a low-fat diet, and his cat.

"When I quit, it was not because of any feebleness on my part; I could still do the surgery without having the shakes,"

"The young residents were more nervous than I was."

"I've been careful with my diet all these years, and also not being a risk taker,"

"The only real emergency is if the house is on fire,"

Dr. Ira Eliasoph retired from ophthalmology at 92 after a 70-year medical career and remains active at 96. He continued performing surgery confidently until retirement and credits career passion, curiosity, and daily observation for mental sharpness. He follows a low-fat diet instituted by his physician father and avoids risky behaviors. He maintains close social connections, drives to see friends, paints, and plays tennis into his 90s. He participates in the SuperAgers Family Study that tracks traits of people 95 and older. He advises listening to the body, managing stress, and deferring nonurgent matters.

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