In a TikTok video that has garnered over 300,000 likes, a 97-year-old dietitian named Paul shared his perspective on caffeine consumption and its impact on a long and healthy life—and he said he “absolutely” does not drink caffeine.
In this short clip posted in the summer of 2022, TikToker skycowans takes the opportunity ask this expert for his thoughts on caffeine over breakfast. With a wealth of experience and wisdom accumulated over nearly a century, the elderly dietitian delivered a straightforward message: he does not drink caffeine, and he believes it plays a significant role in determining one’s health and longevity.
@skycowans Heres what this 97-year-old dietitian had to say about #caffeine #bluezonediet #lomalinda #longevity #coffeefacts original sound – SKY LIFE
97-Year-Old Dietitian Says “Absolutely Not” To Caffeine
When TikToker skycowans asked Paul, “Do you drink caffeine or no?” he responded with an emphatic: “Absolutely not.” The dietitian went on to warn that “Caffeine is the number one drug used in America today.” This bold declaration sets the stage for a discussion on the relationship between diet, lifestyle choices, and the potential implications for one’s overall health.
Paul continued by emphasizing the crucial link between dietary habits and the development of various diseases. “What you eat, what you drink, automatically determines what disease you’re gonna have and how soon and how long and how difficult,” he asserts. In these few words, he encapsulates the idea that our daily choices, particularly those related to nutrition, can profoundly impact our health outcomes. Of course this is true; living a long life is all about maintaining sustainable, healthy habits.
The no-nonsense approach of the 97-year-old dietitian challenges conventional thinking about caffeine, a substance many of us drink every single day (and oftentimes load with unhealthy ingredients, no less). Paul may be right when he refers to it as "the number one drug used in America." Often celebrated for its stimulating effects, it's absolutely a ubiquitous part of daily life for many. However, this centenarian dietitian's perspective certainly makes you think about the role that this stimulant could play in our longevity—or lack thereof.
It's important to note there is some debate over whether or not caffeine is actually bad for you. In fact, many health experts praise coffee for many health benefits, including weight loss.
One thing that health experts do agree on is the fact that the ingredients many people load their coffee with, such as refined sugar and sweetened creamer, do, indeed, pose a risk to your health.
Ultimately, though, the essence of Paul's message lies in the power of choice. The dietitian encourages viewers to recognize that everyone has the autonomy to make decisions that directly influence their well-being. He implies that the longevity and quality of life are, to a significant extent, within our control. "Everybody has that choice," he says.
While it's essential to approach individual dietary recommendations with an awareness of personal health conditions and needs, the viral TikTok serves as a thought-provoking reminder to consider the long-term consequences of our daily habits. Although many people in the comments of this TikTok assert that they will continue to enjoy their daily dose of caffeine ("I'm not going to lose the small joy I have left in my life," one person wrote), someone else raises a good point: "97, wow. He is so alert and orientated. Completely independent. Very rare. Guys he’s someone worth listening to."
All in all, regardless of whether or not you're willing to kick caffeine to the curb—or whether it's really as bad for you as Paul may make it seem—the advice of a 97-year-old dietitian offers a unique perspective that may inspire us to make choices aligned with a vision of a longer and healthier life.
READ MORE: 4 Heart-Healthy Habits To Follow For A Longer Life, According To Doctors
