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For centuries, humans have sought the key to a long, healthy life. Today, while diet plans and wellness trends promise extended longevity, the wisdom of the ancients—who, without modern medicine, still found ways to thrive into old age—remains insightful. One famous case is the Greek philosopher Gorgias of Leontini, who reportedly lived beyond 100, born in 485 BC and living until around 380 BC. When asked his secret, he responded with a hint of wit: “I never did anything for the sake of pleasure” and “I never did anything for the sake of another person.” Despite his humor, Gorgias’ true approach to life may have been simple moderation—a lifestyle choice endorsed by other ancients as well.
A Balanced Daily Routine: The Key to Agility in Old Age
In his letters, Pliny the Younger recorded the daily routine of Titus Vestricius Spurinna, a respected Roman statesman who, even past 70, kept to a regimented lifestyle. His day began with a walk to stimulate both mind and body. Later, after a light meal, Spurinna would spend time outside, enjoying sunshine when possible. He would even engage in a form of exercise by tossing a ball—a workout that kept him agile and youthful.
“Spurinna has passed his seventy-seventh year,” Pliny noted, “but his sight and hearing are unimpaired, and he is physically agile and energetic; old age has brought him nothing but wisdom.”
Spurinna’s routine demonstrates the simplicity of ancient wellness: regular, light exercise, exposure to natural light, and moments of relaxation.
Diverse Experiences and Varied Activity for Health
Roman medical author Aulus Cornelius Celsus (c. 40 AD) shared a similar perspective in his work, On Medicine. He advocated for variety and balance in one’s life, emphasizing the need for both work and rest. According to Celsus, individuals should spend time in different environments—urban and rural—to create mental stimulation. He saw exercise as essential and recommended a mix of activities like walking, running, and even reading aloud, an activity he believed supported mental health.
“For whilst inaction weakens the body, work strengthens it,” Celsus wrote, “the former brings on premature old age, the latter prolongs youth.” In his view, a life full of varied physical activities helped people stay physically strong and mentally sharp.
A Balanced Diet and a Moderate Approach
The renowned physician Galen (c. 129–216 AD) observed that most of his patients’ illnesses stemmed from poor lifestyle choices. In his work, he often lamented that many people weakened their bodies through excessive indulgence and imbalance. Galen pointed out the benefits of a simple, wholesome diet—one he attributed to a physician acquaintance, Antiochus, who remained active and healthy into his eighties by following a light diet and avoiding excess. Bread with honey, bird meat, and gruel with honey and vinegar were staples in Antiochus’ diet, and he paired them with daily long walks, a habit Galen praised.
In contrast, Galen criticized a young patient’s overindulgence in food and leisure, which had left him weak and pale. “The young man was about eighteen years old, pale in appearance, and fat,” he wrote, pointing out the importance of moderation, particularly for the young.
The Timeless Value of Healthy Habits
Today, the importance of balanced daily habits is as evident as ever. Modern health experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO), continue to highlight the consequences of unhealthy lifestyles, which still cause preventable illnesses worldwide. For the ancients, maintaining a healthy life required regular habits—eating well, staying active, and living mindfully.
Perhaps the greatest wisdom of the ancients comes from Seneca, who said, “part of health is to want to be healthy.” Their message resonates today: living long, healthy lives might not come from extreme measures, but rather from cultivating simple, balanced habits that sustain both body and mind over the years.
