We’ve written here about Dr. Howard Tucker, the world’s oldest practicing doctor at age 101, who says “Retirement is the enemy of longevity.”
Now we’re delighted to tell you, as reported here, that Dr. Tucker is the subject of a new documentary that had its world premier on April 7 at the Cleveland International Film Festival.
The title is What’s Next — which is, in itself, the perfect expression of the SuperAging philosophy of getting older without getting old.
The documentary was directed by Taylor Taglianetti, and “focuses on his grappling with aging as he turns 100, but he’s since turned 101. ‘He seems indestructible,’ one of his sons says in the film.”
Dr. Tucker’s remarkable story is told through the eyes of his grandson, Austin. The film opens with Tucker tossing around a ball with Austin. Then we see Tucker throwing out the first pitch at a Cleveland Guardians game.
It’s an appropriate moment, because one of Dr. Tucker’s heroes is Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige, who made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1948, at the age of 42, after having been segregated in the Negro Leagues. Paige still holds the record for the oldest debut in major league baseball, and kept playing until 59, also a record. “He did not believe in retirement and neither do I,” Tucker says in the film, and then repeats his mantra, “I am convinced that retirement is the enemy of longevity.”
“Through this film, both Austin and I hope to show the power there is in helping and investing in our older generations, ” says director Taylor Taglianetti, “and Howard is a prime example of what just one person can do to change the world.”
You can find out more about the documentary here, and also watch the trailer.