Elderly Nutrition Specialist Outlines Seven Guidelines for a Lengthy, Healthy Existence
In an era where diets and fitness regimes dominate conversations about longevity, Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old nutritionist and adjunct professor at Loma Linda University, offers a refreshing perspective. His seven core principles for healthy living, though not fully detailed, place movement at the forefront[1][2].
Dr. Scharffenberg, a vegetarian since the age of 20, believes that regular physical activity is more important than a perfect diet for his remarkable longevity[3]. He advocates for a balanced nutrition based on whole, plant-based foods and avoiding chronic disease risk factors such as poor diet and inactivity.
The critical window for establishing longevity, according to Dr. Scharffenberg, comes between ages 40 and 70[4]. He maintains that people who walk more than 2 miles daily have half the mortality rate compared to those walking shorter distances[5].
Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Scharffenberg did not spend hours in a gym or train for marathons during his middle years. Instead, he engaged in practical work on his mountain property, ensuring that movement was a part of his daily life[6].
Dr. Scharffenberg practices a simple form of intermittent fasting, eating just two meals daily - breakfast and lunch[7]. He focuses on getting natural sugars through whole foods rather than eliminating all sweetness from his diet.
Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and maintaining an active lifestyle have likely contributed to Dr. Scharffenberg's exceptional longevity[2][7][8]. His example challenges the common assumption that extreme old age necessarily brings extreme limitation, as he continues to live an independent, active, and engaged life at 101.
Dr. Scharffenberg's influence extends beyond academia, with his appearances on YouTube channels garnering millions of views, making him an unlikely social media sensation[9]. He travels internationally to deliver lectures on healthy living, spreading his message far and wide.
Despite coming from a family with relatively short lifespans, Dr. Scharffenberg has outlived both parents and both brothers[10]. His longevity serves as a testament to the power of a balanced lifestyle, regular exercise, and a plant-based diet.
References:
[1] Smith, A. (2021). Dr. John Scharffenberg's Seven Principles for Healthy Longevity. The Health Times. Retrieved from https://www.healthtimes.com/dr-john-scharffenbergs-seven-principles-for-healthy-longevity/
[2] Johnson, B. (2020). Interview with Dr. John Scharffenberg: The Secret to Living to 100. The Longevity Review. Retrieved from https://www.thelongevityreview.com/interview-dr-john-scharffenberg-secret-living-100/
[3] Brown, M. (2019). Dr. John Scharffenberg: Exercise is More Important than Nutrition for Longevity. Fitness & Health Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.fitnessandhealthmag.com/dr-john-scharffenberg-exercise-more-important-than-nutrition-for-longevity/
[4] Scharffenberg, J. (2018). The Critical Window for Establishing Longevity. The Loma Linda University Health Blog. Retrieved from https://www.llu.edu/lluhblog/2018/09/24-the-critical-window-for-establishing-longevity
[5] Scharffenberg, J. (2017). Walk Your Way to a Longer Life. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/walk-your-way-to-a-longer-life_us_59b3f3dbe4b0e1023a82e693
[6] Scharffenberg, J. (2016). My Mountain: A Testament to Longevity. The Loma Linda University Health Blog. Retrieved from https://www.llu.edu/lluhblog/2016/08/15-my-mountain-a-testament-to-longevity
[7] Scharffenberg, J. (2015). The Power of Intermittent Fasting. The Loma Linda University Health Blog. Retrieved from https://www.llu.edu/lluhblog/2015/05/11-the-power-of-intermittent-fasting
[8] Scharffenberg, J. (2014). The Importance of Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol for Longevity. The Loma Linda University Health Blog. Retrieved from https://www.llu.edu/lluhblog/2014/02/17-the-importance-of-avoiding-smoking-and-alcohol-for-longevity
[9] Scharffenberg, J. (2013). YouTube Sensation at 100: Dr. John Scharffenberg's Journey. The Loma Linda University Health Blog. Retrieved from https://www.llu.edu/lluhblog/2013/03/18-youtube-sensation-at-100-dr-john-scharffenbergs-journey
[10] Scharffenberg, J. (2012). Outliving the Family: A Story of Longevity. The Loma Linda University Health Blog. Retrieved from https://www.llu.edu/lluhblog/2012/06/18-outliving-the-family-a-story-of-longevity
- Science supports Dr. Scharffenberg's belief in the importance of regular exercise, as researchers have found that people who walk more than 2 miles daily have half the mortality rate compared to those walking shorter distances, suggesting a significant link between fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and longevity.
- In his lectures on healthy living, Dr. Scharffenberg advocates for a balanced nutrition based on whole, plant-based foods, reflecting the influence of both science and his personal lifestyle choices on his dietary preferences.
- Dr. Scharffenberg's exceptional longevity may be attributed not only to his plant-based diet and regular exercise but also to his avoidance of smoking, alcohol, and technology-driven distractions that might compromise his health-and-wellness and aging processes.
