Known for playing Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs”, winner of 2 Oscars, a Welsh actor, director, and producer, do you know who I am talking about? Indeed, Anthony Hopkins. Lately, he has been sharing quite a bit of content on his social media profile, making what he calls “silly videos”, in which he is seen happily dancing and full of energy despite being almost 90 years old. What is the secret? Has Mr. Hopkins made a pact with the devil? None of that.
Stella Arroyave’s husband explains that he has stopped consuming sugar, exercises regularly, does not drink alcohol, and keeps his brain active by working and doing daily cognitive exercises and playing the piano. The nutritionist from the British Hospital and the Argentine League Against Cancer (LALCEC), Natalia Antar, explains that the new Hopkins diet, which avoids sugar and ultra-processed food, is a very wise decision, as excessive sugar consumption is linked to greater cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It is also beneficial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, which has a direct connection to mental health. This is the case with the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, good fats, minerals, and vitamins.
The absence of added sugars also improves triglyceride and glucose levels, enhancing metabolism. Regarding alcohol consumption, the Welsh actor claims to have relied on religion to maintain his sobriety for over 50 years. Antar explains that it’s not about filling our lives with restrictions, but finding a balance between eliminating sugars and ultraprocessed foods, including antioxidants like turmeric, taking care of intestinal microbiota health, drinking water, exercising, and respecting the circadian rhythm of rest. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that health does not only reside in the care of these factors, but in being happy and achieving aspects such as satisfaction and full realization.
Anthony Hopkins
Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins has made a 180º turn in his lifestyle and could not be happier. This is reflected in his social media, where he shares with his followers videos and reflections highlighting the importance of celebrating life. At nearly 90 years old, the actor shows an enviable state of physical and mental health, and it is he who explains how he does it. “I didn’t eat junk food, but I liked sweets. And not anymore. Enough. I don’t even eat honey anymore. But no, I feel healthier. I feel more awake. I also go to bed early.”
Stella Arroyave’s husband admits to having struggled with depression and alcoholism, in addition to an unhealthy lifestyle. According to him, thanks to the support of his wife and his faith, he managed to overcome this struggle and enjoys enviable health today.
How has he achieved it?
“Accept it. It’s curious how life and time change you. It’s as if the molecules of your being realign. I no longer get offended as easily as I used to. Everything I do now is like a salsa train. I work when a good role comes along, and if not, I paint and write music,” Hopkins has adopted a more relaxed lifestyle that has also helped him reach the point he is at. The actor has chosen to follow several key guidelines:
- Elimination of added sugars and ultra-processed products.
- Sobriety.
- Moderate physical activity, such as dancing.
- Activities that stimulate creativity and imagination, such as painting or playing the piano.
- Keeping the brain active with cognitive exercises.
- Spending quality time with people who bring good things.Working when a role comes along that interests him.
What is the secret to longevity?
Doctors and nutritionists agree that there is no magic formula that guarantees 100% longevity. However, Licenciada Natalia Antar (MN 8271, MP 4226), a nutritionist from the British Hospital and the Argentine League Against Cancer (LALCEC), explains that: ‘There is no magic formula or an ‘anti-aging’ food, but there is a coherence between what we eat each day and how we will reach 80 or 90. And as a professional, I prefer to talk about what we can add rather than what we need to take away.
A real change starts when we stop thinking about restrictions and start choosing from self-care.’ For its part, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that it is not only enough to have food, physical, and mental health, but it is also necessary to take into account individual happiness, satisfaction, and personal fulfillment.
