America’s oldest man relied on daily walks, unprocessed food, and hobbies to stay lucid until 110 years old

“He and my mom were very connected to the world. They got up every morning and read the LA Times,” Hansen said.

The couple also went all over the world, including to Mexico just after the Pan-American Highway was built in the early 1950s, and visiting Eastern Europe, Japan, and China.

“They weren’t the cruise type. That was much too tame. They took buses and trains all over,” Hansen said.

Markoff loved sharing his knowledge with others. From the mid-2000s onward, he began a daily writing habit that later became a blog and eventually a book. At age 103, he was attending book events and signing copies for fans.

He also pursued artistic forms of expression such as photography and creating sculptures from scrap metal, and wasn’t shy about taking pride in his art, trying to donate his works to a museum, Hansen said.

His creativity and curiosity likely helped keep him mentally sharp. Evidence suggests learning new things as you age can keep your brain active.

Hansen said he was constantly sharing his knowledge in life and would have been thrilled that his brain will be a lasting contribution to the science he loved so much.

“He would have been so happy,” she said. “It’s the most wonderful legacy.”