Silvio Garattini, 96-year-old doctor and scientist: “There is no other recipe for living longer: I have maintained these good habits all my life”
Far from miracle diets and impossible exercise plans, leading a healthy lifestyle is fundamental to achieving the desired longevity.
Long, healthy life is not determined by genetics alone. While it is true that genes influence life expectancy, psychology and health, scientists agree that daily habits play a decisive role in how we age, and in the quality of life we maintain over time.
Living longer is not just about adding years, but about preserving physical, mental and emotional well-being. This view is shared by renowned Italian doctor Silvio Garattini, who recently turned 96.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Garattini explained his approach clearly: “There is no other recipe. I have maintained good lifestyle habits. I walk five kilometers a day, I skip lunch, and in the evening I have an appetizer, a main course, and dessert, and I try to leave the table feeling slightly hungry. What matters is what you eat throughout the day.”
Garattini also highlighted the importance of mental health and prevention: “Maintaining social relationships is essential. We do not focus enough on prevention. In Italy, we have 4.5 million people with type 2 diabetes, which is preventable and leads to visual, cardiovascular and kidney complications. Likewise, 40 percent of cancers are preventable. There are 12 million smokers in Italy, tobacco is a risk factor for 27 diseases, and alcohol is also carcinogenic. People do not pay enough attention to fundamental principles.“
Keys to a longer, healthier life
For Garattini, making good habits a part of your lifestyle is crucial. Habits are behaviors repeated almost automatically, which is precisely why they have such a powerful impact on long-term health. Small daily actions, sustained over many years, can lead to major differences in overall well-being.
“We spend too much money on medications when we could be far more rational,” Garattini added. “Only prevention can truly control healthcare costs. Nothing is taught in schools from a scientific perspective. The concept of science as a source of knowledge and the development of proper methodologies are barely discussed. Simply dedicating one hour a week to health education, taught by qualified professionals, would make an enormous difference.”
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