Who Was Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara — And Why His Advice Matters
Dr. Hinohara was a respected physician, author, and longevity advocate in Japan, a country known for having one of the world’s highest life expectancies. He served as chairman at St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo and authored over 150 books after age 75. Studies on Blue Zones (regions with exceptional longevity, including parts of Japan) highlight similar lifestyle factors — like natural movement, plant-rich eating, and strong social ties — that align closely with his recommendations.
Research shows that lifestyle choices can influence healthy aging, with habits like regular activity and meaningful engagement linked to better physical and cognitive function in older adults.
Don’t Retire — Or At Least, Not Anytime Soon
One of Dr. Hinohara’s most famous pieces of advice: “There is no need to ever retire, but if one must, it should be much later than 65.”
He believed retirement age was outdated, set decades ago when life expectancy was shorter. By staying engaged in meaningful work or activities, you keep your mind active and body moving.
But that doesn’t mean overworking. It means finding purpose.
Volunteer in your community
Pursue hobbies like gardening, teaching, or mentoring
Take on small projects that excite you
Studies suggest that having a sense of purpose (often called “ikigai” in Japanese culture) is associated with lower risk of certain age-related challenges and better overall well-being.
Here’s the interesting part: Dr. Hinohara worked up to 18 hours a day into his 100s because he loved it — not because he had to.
Next Page
