Chando Tan, Forever Young a multifaceted individual from Singapore, is celebrated as a fashion photographer, model, actor, and author. At 57 years old in 2023, Tan continues to defy aging stereotypes with his youthful appearance—a trait so striking that many mistake him for someone in his 20s. Born in 1966, Chando’s timeless visage has captivated social media, earning him the title “Forever Young,” though he humbly acknowledges it’s a reputation no one can truly keep forever.
The Philosophy Behind Youthful Vitality
Tan credits his physical vitality and youthful looks to the age-old principle, “You are what you eat.” Emphasizing that nutrition accounts for 70% of health, complemented by 30% exercise, he advocates the 70/30 approach to wellness. “Training only accounts for 30%—the rest depends on what you eat,” he says. His holistic perspective centers on mindful eating and disciplined exercise to achieve optimal health.
Exercise Regimen: Discipline and Adaptation
Tan’s commitment to fitness began in his youth and remains a cornerstone of his lifestyle. Even in his 50s, he maintains a disciplined workout routine, exercising up to five times a week, with sessions lasting no more than 90 minutes. On a typical week, he often reduces this to three sessions, prioritizing sustainability over intensity.
Each gym session involves 30 minutes of strength training followed by cardio. Due to a knee injury, he opts for brisk walking on a treadmill instead of jogging. Additionally, swimming plays a key role in his fitness regime. Every evening, he dedicates an hour to swimming, a low-impact activity that supports cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
Skincare: Minimalist Yet Effective
Chando’s youthful appearance is further enhanced by his well-maintained skin. With sensitive skin, he follows a minimalist skincare routine, using only two daily products: a gel face wash and a moisturizing cream. Hydration is integral to his regimen, achieved through consistent water intake and avoiding certain beverages.
Though he has a few gray hairs, Tan opts for hair dye rather than embracing a salt-and-pepper look. When it comes to cosmetic enhancements, he has experimented with Botox once but found the results unsatisfactory, choosing to forgo further procedures.
Stress Management: A Positive Outlook
Stress is a well-known contributor to aging, and Tan emphasizes the importance of doing what you love to minimize its impact. Passionate about photography, Forever Young he pours his energy into projects like book writing and fashion shoots. Research backs his approach: studies show that individuals with positive mindsets and fulfilling careers are more likely to lead longer, healthier lives. For instance, a University College London study revealed that happy individuals over 50 had a 35% lower risk of mortality within five years compared to their less positive peers.
Diet: What Chando Eats and Avoids
Breakfast:
During a breakfast interview, Tan chose a protein-focused meal, featuring six poached eggs (consuming only two yolks to manage cholesterol), French toast, and grilled vegetables. Eggs, rich in leucine and essential nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, support muscle synthesis and overall health.
At home, he often prepares oatmeal with milk, eggs, honey, and avocado, topped with chia seeds. This combination offers fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, promoting heart health, digestive well-being, and satiety.
Lunch and Dinner:
Tan keeps his meals simple and nutritious, often choosing fish soup or chicken with brown rice or vegetables. He focuses on fresh, minimally processed foods, Forever Young avoiding added salt and opting for light marinades with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For salads, he prefers fresh greens with minimal dressing.
Snacks:
For quick bites, Tan enjoys nuts and berries, consuming small portions like 10 almonds. These nutrient-dense options provide antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
Fruits:
Tan loves durians, known as the “king of fruits,” which are rich in vitamin C, thiamine, manganese, and antioxidants. Despite their strong scent, he appreciates their nutritional value.
Indulgences:
While Tan primarily avoids processed foods, he admits to having a soft spot for ice cream. His favorite is Häagen-Dazs vanilla, which he enjoys sparingly, splitting a pint into three servings and consuming it no more than once a month.
What He Avoids:
Tan’s diet excludes sugar (apart from his rare ice cream indulgence), alcohol, and smoking. He drinks water exclusively, occasionally allowing himself a skinny cappuccino when traveling. He also avoids oily broths, MSG, and sauces, sometimes rinsing food to remove excess condiments.
Additionally, he adheres to intermittent fasting principles by not eating seven hours before bedtime, a habit aligned with the health benefits of restricted eating windows.
Lessons from Chando Tan
Chando Tan’s lifestyle is a testament to the power of consistent habits. His disciplined approach to exercise, minimalist skincare, stress management, and clean eating exemplify a holistic strategy for maintaining health and vitality. While he occasionally indulges in his favorite treats, moderation remains his guiding principle.
His story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to Forever Young age gracefully, proving that a balanced lifestyle can make a profound difference.
