This 96-year old oncologist’s secret to long life is not found at a pharmacy

“We must have a revolution in health, and a new approach.” “We can prevent most diseases this way,” says Dr. Silvio, an oncologist of 96 years and the founder of the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research.

Interview with the Italian outlet First OnlineGarattini discusses the foundation of a new healthcare revolution, one that will move away from excessive medication.

Garattini is a proponent of a healthcare system that does not rely on drug consumption but instead relies on two basic pillars – better nutrition and regular exercise.

The healthcare system goes beyond pills

Oncologist 96 has a clear message when it comes to eating: Variety and moderation.

“A healthy diet should include a bit of everything — that’s how we get both macro and micronutrients. “It also helps to prevent the accumulation harmful substances found in each food,” he says.

But one food group is warned against, particularly during the summer months: meat.

“Avoid butter, fats, and meat during the hotter months. Prioritise fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole-wheat pasta.”

He encourages people also to drink more to replace minerals lost by sweating, but warns against sugary soft drinks, ice cream, and other summer staples.

Eat less, live longer

Dr. Silvio Garciattini cautions us not only about what we eat but also how much. In a nod to old-fashioned wisdom, Dr. Silvio Garattini says that we should “leave the table feeling pleasantly hungry”.

Science supports this. According to research, reducing your food intake by up to 30% can boost life expectancy by 20%. Eating less can also increase longevity.

The best medicine is movement

Second, any movement is acceptable.

Garattini explains that “all physical activity can be beneficial as long as one does not injure themselves.” Walking can be beneficial, but only if you do it correctly.

A good walk should make your heart beat faster and leave you feeling a bit breathless. Aim to do around 5 kilometers a day.”

You don’t have to be young to begin. Garattini believes that it is never too late to begin walking. Even at the age of 80, you can still start walking. It’s best to do it in the early hours of the morning or the evening.

Garattini himself walks 5 km every day. “I always feel much better afterwards. He says, “It makes me think.”

He says that it is bad habits and not age which are the cause of many chronic diseases. Physical activity is the cure.

Pills? What?

Dr. Garattini, a pharmacological research scientist and one of the loudest critics of modern overprescription culture.

Every day, we are bombarded by ads promoting medication for all kinds of problems. The majority of these messages are misleading or false.

He admits that some drugs can be vital in certain situations but says many common illnesses are resolved naturally or by lifestyle changes.

“The pharmaceutical market wants to grow — and that means increasing the number of pills, while lowering the threshold of what’s considered ‘normal’,” he concludes.

The longevity of Dr. Garattini and his clarity of thought may be the strongest arguments in favor of his philosophy. At 96 years old, Dr. Garattini is still walking, writing and thinking. He encourages others not to be passive in their healthcare.