100-year-old Japanese doctor still hasn't retired, reveals secret to longevity despite having cancer

At the age of 100, Dr. Teru Kasamatsu still regularly examines and treats patients three days a week at Kasamatsu Hospital, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

Doctor Teru Kasamatsu - Photo: The Japan News

According to The Straits Times , Dr. Kasamatsu began her medical journey in 1948. Stemming from post-war losses, when many women became widows, her father advised his daughter to pursue a medical career so she could live independently.

At the age of 24, she married Dr. Shigeru, an orthopedist. After Mr. Shigeru took over the hospital from his father, the couple ran the hospital together, cared for patients, and raised their three children.

"She did everything - from examining patients, dispensing medicine to even accounting," said her second son, Dr. Satoshi (68), who is now the hospital director.

Despite undergoing cancer treatment, Ms. Kasamatsu still maintains good health. She believes that the secret to longevity lies in a healthy diet: "Eat lots of vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, okra. Vegetables help stabilize blood sugar, which is very good for the body."

Not only good at medicine, Ms. Kasamatsu also studied cooking and took a chef's license to support the hospital kitchen.

Up to now, she lives alone in a small house next to the hospital, walks without a cane and always maintains a regular lifestyle.

Every day, she spends 1-2 hours on logic and math games as a way to train her memory and prevent cognitive decline.

She also plays the piano – a hobby she only took up at the age of 70 – and still takes lessons every week. According to The Straits Times , she even confidently performed Beethoven's Für Elise in a concert with young musicians.

According to statistics from the Japanese Ministry of Health , Labor and Welfare, by the end of 2022, there were about 86 doctors aged 98 or older still practicing. However, cases like Dr. Kasamatsu - who is still directly examining patients at the age of 100 - are extremely rare.

Despite her advanced age, Ms. Kasamatsu still takes the time to read medical documents to update her knowledge. Ms. Kasamatsu asserts that she "does not feel any health problems" and "never thinks about retirement."

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bac-si-100-tuoi-o-nhat-ban-van-chua-nghi-huu-tiet-lo-bi-quyet-song-tho-du-tung-bi-ung-thu-20250922141926498.htm