Centenarian Physician Reveals Simple Daily Practice for Extended Healthspan
Los Angeles,CA – September 25,2025 - A 100-year-old physician,Dr. Ellsworth Wareham,is gaining renewed attention for his advocacy of a surprisingly straightforward daily habit he credits with contributing to his longevity and robust health: consuming a daily serving of fruits and vegetables. Dr. Wareham, who ceased practicing general surgery in 1996 at the age of 96, maintains that prioritizing plant-based nutrition is a cornerstone of preventative medicine and a key to a longer, healthier life.
The emphasis on daily fruit and vegetable intake comes amidst growing concerns about chronic disease prevalence and declining healthspans globally. According to the World Health Association,chronic diseases – including heart disease,stroke,cancer,and diabetes – are responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide. Dr. Wareham’s message resonates as a proactive, accessible strategy for individuals to mitigate these risks and improve their overall well-being. His personal experience, coupled with decades of medical observation, underscores the profound impact of dietary choices on long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Wareham’s journey to embracing a plant-focused diet began after witnessing a patient’s remarkable recovery following a nutritional intervention. He subsequently adopted the practice himself, and later, his wife, Erma, experienced a meaningful health turnaround after incorporating more fruits and vegetables into her diet.”My wife had heart trouble,and the doctors told her she needed a bypass,” Dr. Wareham recounted in a 2018 interview. “I didn’t want her to go through that,so I put her on a plant-based diet. Within a few months, her arteries started to clear.”
The physician’s proposal isn’t about restrictive dieting, but rather about consistently choosing nutrient-rich foods. He suggests incorporating a variety of colors and types of produce to maximize the intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While Dr. Wareham doesn’t advocate for complete veganism, he firmly believes that a diet abundant in fruits and vegetables is fundamental to optimal health and longevity.
His message is especially relevant now, as research continues to highlight the link between diet and disease prevention. Experts emphasize that adopting a plant-forward eating pattern can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. Dr. Wareham’s enduring vitality serves as a compelling testament to the power of this simple, yet profound, daily habit.
