1. Walk: At 76, feeling 26, I’ve been vegan for almost 50 years. That’s my biggest health tip. I walk for 30 minutes daily, listening to the birds.
2. Diet: I exercise by lifting my fork with delicious meals of pulses, grains, nuts, fruits, and veggies, never meat, dairy, or eggs! “Food is medicine”. Same-age friends take lots of pills, I take a B12.
3. Vitamins: Clean food helps your stomach, respiratory system and heart. I get sunshine for Vitamin D. For bone health, walking and calcium from green leafy vegetables.
4. No fries: I’m up before five o’clock — coffee with soy milk; a vegan sausage sandwich or baked beans on toast. Perhaps some sauteed or steamed spinach. I never use oil or ghee; I “fry” with veggie stock.
5. Crossword: I’m asleep by 10 pm, after dinner (pasta or veggie curry). I read, do a crossword puzzle, drink green tea and sleep.
(Ingrid Newkirk is Founder, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
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Published on January 12, 2026