How to age well? We ask Singaporean photographer Chuando Tan, 58, who looks half his age

Tan posted this photo of himself from 1989, aged 23. Photo: instagram.com/chuando_chuandoandfrey

• Singaporean influencer Chuando Tan, 58, says diet and exercise are key to looking and feeling younger than our age, as is a positive outlook

Singaporean fashion photographer Chuando Tan has garnered acclaim for his captivating images of his subjects, and of himself.

With chiselled abs and a youthful visage, Tan looks far younger than his 58 years.

The youngest son of painter Tan Tee Chie, his journey into the world of imagery began as a model in the 1980s. He was briefly a pop vocalist during the 90s, before pivoting to photography.

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About a decade ago, Tan opened an Instagram account for the studio he established with photographer Frey Ow, ChuanDo & Frey, and posted a series of self-portraits and captivating captions.

His age-defying appearance swiftly captured attention online. Today, the Instagram account has more than 1.5 million followers.

There was plenty of speculation about his youthful looks; some commenters attributed them to genetic inheritance, while others lauded the purported benefits of Singapore's air, superior healthcare infrastructure, and access to premium products.

The Post spoke with Tan about his daily regimen.

Tan believes that what we eat has considerable influence over how we feel and how we look. Our diet accounts for 70 per cent of our physical and mental well-being, he believes, with physical activity contributing the rest.

His usual breakfast consists of six hard-boiled eggs, although he discards two yolks to keep his cholesterol levels in check. Occasionally he has an avocado with berries.

Tan's other meals often feature chicken with rice, grilled vegetables and fish broth. He enjoys ice cream now and then. Steering clear of coffee and tea, he drinks lots of water to stay hydrated.

When asked about the one food he could not live without, Tan doesn't pick out a particular item, but chooses a food group.

"Protein," he says, "is essential for maintaining our overall well-being."

If he had to pick a favourite meal, Tan would opt for a dish with some form of protein and vegetables in clear soup.

The choice underscores his commitment to a balanced diet, prioritising nutrients that support vitality and longevity.

Tan's fitness regimen targets strength training, three or four half-hour sessions a week. He also does brisk treadmill walks, and swims almost every day.

He takes a vitamin C supplement - "because it is a powerful antioxidant [that] plays a crucial role in repairing and rejuvenating our bodies," he says.

For those seeking guidance on ageing with grace and vitality, Tan offers a few tips.

• Do regular compound exercises with weights. Squats, lunges, bench presses and pull-ups work multiple muscle groups at the same time. Studies show these time-effective routines help burn more calories, improve and build intermuscular coordination, strengthen the core and build muscle mass.

• Spend enough time in the sun to allow vitamin D synthesis, but beware that too much sun exposure can accelerate the ageing process. Tan recommends early morning and/or evening as the best times.

• Nurture relationships with loved ones. Having social connections doesn't just make us feel included and cared for, research shows; it's also the strongest protective factor against depression.

• Above all, he emphasises the significance of maintaining a positive outlook. Tan believes that "mindset plays a crucial role in shaping one's path", and that positivity has a profound impact on ageing. Cultivating optimism and embracing new challenges, he suggests, can mitigate ageing's effects and enhance overall quality of life.

Does he consider himself a biohacker, among the legions of people trying to turn back the clock?

No, says Tan. He shuns labels. Despite his dedication to health and wellness, he says he is simply a "normal human being".

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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