104-Year Old Dr. Ellsworth Wareham: 7 LOST Keys To A LONG Life

Summary

The video highlights the extraordinary life of Dr. Ellsworth Wham, a 104-year-old cardiac surgeon who performed over 12,000 surgeries. It reveals seven lifestyle and diet secrets that contributed to his longevity, including daily low-intensity exercise, reduced sugar and salt intake, a vegan diet, B12 supplementation, stress management, and living in the health-conscious community of Loma Linda. Dr. Wham's philosophy emphasizes a calm attitude, strong family bonds, and the importance of mentoring others. His methods offer valuable insights for achieving a long, fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Ellsworth Wham was a pioneering cardiac surgeon who lived to be 104, providing insights into longevity.
• 🏃‍♂️ Regular low-intensity daily activities like gardening and mowing the lawn contributed to Dr. Wham's physical vitality.
• 🧗‍♂️ Climbing stairs regularly can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health.
• 🥗 Dr. Wham advocated for a diet low in sugar and salt to maintain good health and prevent heart disease.
• 💊 Vitamin B12 was the only supplement Dr. Wham took, highlighting its importance for health, particularly in old age.
• 🚫 Eliminating animal fats from the diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol.
• 🌿 Adopting a vegan diet can lead to lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
• 🤗 A positive and calm attitude towards life, along with effective stress management, is key to longevity.
• 🏘️ Living in Loma Linda, known for its blue zone with high concentrations of centenarians, influenced Dr. Wham's lifestyle and health.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Strong family ties and social connections can reduce the risk of premature death and contribute to a fulfilling life.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Ellsworth Wham and why is he considered remarkable?

Dr. Ellsworth Wham was a 104-year-old cardiac surgeon who worked until the age of 96. He performed over 12,000 open-heart surgeries and was known for his groundbreaking work in saving lives and traveling globally to perform surgeries in countries where they had never been done before.

What role does exercise play in Dr. Wham’s longevity?

Dr. Wham emphasized low-intensity daily activity, such as gardening and climbing stairs. He believed these activities preserved his strength, balance, and agility, allowing him to remain active and mobile even after the age of 100.

Why did Dr. Wham reduce his intake of sugar and salt, and how does this impact health?

Dr. Wham believed that reducing sugar and salt intake helped lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. Scientific research supports this, linking high sugar and salt consumption to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.

What was Dr. Wham's approach to supplements, particularly vitamin B12?

Dr. Wham only took vitamin B12 as a supplement and was entirely vegan. He valued B12 for its role in red blood cell formation, bone health, and memory retention, which supported his mental sharpness and physical strength.

Why did Dr. Wham avoid animal fats in his diet?

Dr. Wham completely cut out animal fats from his diet, as he believed they contributed to heart disease by raising LDL cholesterol and clogging arteries. He followed advice from research suggesting that replacing animal fats with unsaturated fats reduces heart disease risk.

How did Dr. Wham’s attitude toward life contribute to his longevity?

Dr. Wham maintained a calm approach to life and avoided worrying about problems beyond his control. He believed this helped him manage stress effectively, reducing risks associated with chronic stress such as anxiety, depression, and heart problems.

What role did a vegan diet play in Dr. Wham’s long life?

Dr. Wham followed a vegan diet for half his life, believing it was key to reducing cholesterol and preventing heart disease. He incorporated advice from other experts, like Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, who advocated plant-based diets for longevity.

What was special about Loma Linda, where Dr. Wham lived?

Loma Linda is one of the world's five Blue Zones, areas with high concentrations of centenarians. The residents of Loma Linda lead healthy lifestyles, with low meat consumption, regular exercise, and strong community bonds, which contributed to Dr. Wham’s longevity.

How did Dr. Wham view the importance of strong relationships?

Dr. Wham valued his close-knit family and believed that strong relationships were essential to his long life. Studies support this, showing that strong relationships can reduce the risk of premature death by 50%.

What can we learn from Dr. Wham’s life and the seven keys to his longevity?

The seven keys to Dr. Wham’s longevity include regular exercise, reduced sugar and salt intake, vitamin B12 supplementation, avoiding animal fats, maintaining a calm attitude, following a vegan diet, and living in a supportive community. These habits promoted his physical health, mental sharpness, and overall well-being, offering a blueprint for a long and fulfilling life.