At 100, ex-Malaysian PM Dr Mahathir is still sharp and strong, these 6 habits are his real healthy ageing secret

Turning 100 is no ordinary feat. But turning 100 with sharp thinking, clear speech, and continued public presence? That’s rare. On July 10, 2025, former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad celebrated his 100th birthday, still active, still involved, and still inspiring.

What makes his story even more powerful is that his lifestyle doesn’t rely on extreme diets or complicated routines. As he shared with The Straits Times, his daily habits are built on simplicity, balance, and long-term thinking.

Here are Dr Mahathir’s 6 daily habits that he believes helped him live a long and healthy life:

1. Keep moving, but don’t overdo it

• “I don’t sit down and do nothing,” says Dr Mahathir. He doesn’t believe in intense workouts. Instead, he stays active through walking, attending meetings, and remaining physically mobile.
• Light daily movement helps improve heart health, reduce muscle loss, and prevent falls, all common concerns in ageing. The key is consistency, not intensity.

2. Exercise your brain daily

• “If you don’t use your brain, it begins to forget things,” Dr Mahathir explained. He reads, writes, gives lectures, and engages in conversations, all to keep his mind sharp.
• Mental activity supports memory and delays cognitive decline. It’s not about being brilliant, it’s about staying curious and mentally engaged.

3. Never fully retire from purpose

• Dr Mahathir may have left political office, but he never stepped away from public life. He continues to share his views, mentor younger leaders, and contribute to national conversations.
• People who remain connected to a sense of purpose are known to enjoy better mental health, fewer chronic illnesses, and longer lives. Meaningful engagement in old age is a strong predictor of overall wellbeing.

4. Stay calm under pressure

• Decades of leadership meant facing criticism, international crises, and personal loss. But Dr Mahathir rarely let stress take over.
• While he doesn’t practise meditation, his emotional discipline mirrors its benefits. Report highlights how chronic stress accelerates ageing at the cellular level, while emotional control protects brain and heart health.

5. Avoid harmful habits

• Dr Mahathir avoids smoking and alcohol and eats in moderation. He doesn’t follow trends but sticks to balanced meals and clean living.
• Caloric restraint, especially in later years, supports metabolic health and reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.

6. Stay curious and keep learning

• Even at 100, Dr Mahathir seeks knowledge, talks to young people, and stays updated with world affairs.
• Curiosity is a powerful tool for ageing well. Lifelong learning improves neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections, helping people stay mentally flexible and emotionally balanced.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.