She visits her 95-year-old grandfather, a former cardiologist, and returns with 8 essential tips for a long and happy life

What began as a simple family trip to Japan this summer became an unexpected masterclass in healthy aging. Mika Cribbs, a Los Angeles–based content creator, traveled to Osaka to spend time with her 95‑year‑old grandfather — and ended up witnessing a daily blueprint for living well into old age.

Her grandfather, a retired cardiologist, has been out of the workforce for years, yet his routine is anything but sedentary. His life revolves around simple habits, consistency, and strong social connections — all factors that scientific research links to better health and longer life in older adults.

Daily movement and strong social bonds

His day starts early. Around 5 a.m, he heads out for a brisk walk lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, often topping 7,000 steps before breakfast. After that, he follows a personalized workout that blends stretching, strength training, and balance exercises — exactly the kind of regimen experts recommend to prevent falls and muscle loss in seniors.

But his self‑care goes far beyond the physical. Once he’s done exercising, he logs onto social media to stay connected with friends and family across the globe. Studies have long warned that social isolation raises the risk of cognitive decline and even early mortality in older adults, especially men. For him, technology is a lifeline that keeps loneliness at bay.

His routine also includes writing a daily blog — more than a thousand entries since 2014 — and creating art. Every day, he draws a self‑portrait. “It’s never too late to learn new skills,” Cribbs says, reflecting on how her grandfather continues to explore new hobbies with childlike curiosity.

The power of ‘Ikigai’ — A “reason to live”

Short naps throughout the day help him recharge and stay attuned to his body’s needs. At mealtimes, he strikes a balance between enjoyment and nourishment: he savors meats, cheeses, and wine, but pairs them with home‑cooked meals rich in vegetables. It’s a flexible, balanced approach — far from the rigid diets often promoted in wellness culture.

All of these habits reflect a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture: ikigai, which translates to “reason for being” or “reason to live.” There’s no universal formula for a long, fulfilling life, but this 95‑year‑old makes a compelling case that curiosity, joy, and purpose might be the closest thing we have.

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