Silvio Garattini shares longevity advice as he nears 98

Silvio Garattini, founder and president of the Mario Negri Institute for Research, has shared his dietary and lifestyle habits as he approaches his 98th birthday. Garattini describes his diet as modest in quantity, consisting of a good breakfast, a very light lunch, and a small evening meal, noting that he currently weighs 52 kilograms.

He emphasizes that longevity in good health depends on multiple factors rather than a single magic solution. Garattini identifies several negative influences on health, including smoking, alcohol, drug use, and gambling. He specifically noted that excessive consumption of cured meats is a group 1 risk factor for colon cancer and stated that wine is carcinogenic.

To maintain a long and healthy life, Garattini recommends several positive pillars: physical movement, adequate sleep to allow the brain to clean itself, a varied but reduced diet, and the importance of education and culture in fostering interest in health.