Silvio Garattini, 96-year-old scientist and oncologist: "I still walk 5 kilometers briskly every day and only have coffee for breakfast."

Silvio Garattini , a world leader in oncology and a shining example of healthy longevity , has reached 96 years of age without abandoning his professional or personal routines. Every day begins the same way: a brisk five-kilometer walk, followed by a workday at the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research , the center he founded in 1963 and still directs with unwavering energy.

His lifestyle defies common longevity patterns. He takes no medication —except for an anticoagulant prescribed for mild atrial fibrillation—and maintains an austere diet. “I don’t eat breakfast,” he stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera . “First I have a coffee, then another, and then an orange juice. At most, a couple of biscuits. But I have a good dinner: a first course or a portion of fish and vegetables. And, of course, dessert,” he declared, revealing his eating routine.

A critical approach to modern medicine

Garattini believes the current healthcare system prioritizes the market over prevention. “There are too many medications being prescribed unnecessarily,” he warns. In his case, he claims he hasn't taken an antibiotic in 40 years. Bacterial resistance deeply concerns him: “Every year, around 12,000 people in Italy die from this problem,” he stated. He also criticizes the abuse of dietary supplements: “They're only good for those who sell them.”

His rejection of alcohol and tobacco has been staunch for decades. "I never give away bottles; it's like giving away a pack of cigarettes," he commented, after recalling his public struggle with both industries. In fact, he even argued with television presenters about smoking during broadcasts. Today, he prefers non-alcoholic beer and similar products.

An active mind and an intact memory

For Garattini, work is not a burden, but rather the driving force of his vitality. He continues to write books , give lectures, and participate in research. “A few days ago, I spoke to 800 high school students,” he recounted. He prays frequently, attends church, and cherishes the memory of his two deceased wives, with whom, he confesses, he still converses in his home.

His legacy goes beyond science. “The world is a matter of connections, we all depend on each other,” he reflects. Despite his age, he assures us that every day remains a gift. His discipline, his professional ethics, and his humanity make Silvio Garattini a unique figure in the field of health and longevity.