America’s oldest, 111-year-old man, spills beans on 3 simple habits that helped him live a long life

In a world obsessed with anti-ageing products, miracle supplements, and expensive wellness trends, a 111-year-old man offers a surprisingly simple answer to the question everyone asks: how do you live a long life?Forget anti-aging serums and miracle diets: Luis Cano, America’s oldest living man at 111, credits his longevity to three basic habits: never smoking or drinking, always getting good sleep, and “behaving well.” That’s it.Born in Colombia in 1914, Cano moved to Linden, New Jersey, and was officially recognized as one of the oldest people alive by LongeviQuest in December 2025. He ate lots of vegetables, stayed active well into his hundreds (he gardened until age 105), but it was those three simple habits that he views as central.So, what are those three “simple” habits?Let’s unpack.

No smoking or drinking alcohol

Per People, Cano says he went his entire life without smoking or drinking alcohol. Sounds obvious, but this choice probably saved him loads of trouble. The latest scientific research backs it as well.Smoking is still a leading cause of preventable death, and it’s tied to everything from heart disease to cancer. Even quitting late in life bumps up life expectancy. One scientific research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine confirms that smoking significantly reduces longevity, with current smokers losing approximately 10 to 11 years of life expectancy compared to never-smokers.Alcohol gets glamorized, but drinking too much sets you up for liver problems, cancer, and cognitive decline. In fact, recent research published in Nature indicates that even low consumption levels are linked to higher mortality, contradicting older studies that suggested moderate benefits. To put it simply, there is no “safe” limit for alcohol consumption when optimizing for lifespan, and the “healthy in moderation” thing isn’t as solid as people hoped.Cano’s strategy wasn’t extreme: he just avoided habits proven to hurt people in the long run. John Alfred Tinniswood, who Guinness World Records named the world’s oldest living man in 2024, said basically the same thing: moderation in all things is what keeps you going.

Sleep well

Cano insists on “good sleep.” There are no hacks or shortcuts there. Sleep keeps your body and mind working right. Poor sleep is tied to faster aging, inflammation, heart issues, memory loss, and all sorts of stuff. Centenarians don’t necessarily sleep extra, but they have a consistent rhythm. Cano’s advice is simple: don’t mess up your rest.In fact, research shows that sleeping well (typically 7–8 hours of quality sleep) is crucial for longevity and may even be more critical than diet or exercise. High-quality sleep not only enhances life expectancy by regulating metabolism but also helps in maintaining heart health and reducing biological aging.

Behave well

Now, that’s the quiet power of emotional health. This may sound vague, but “behaving well” really means managing emotions, keeping peace, and building strong relationships.Scientific research, in fact, confirms that “behaving well,” which is defined through conscientiousness, positive social behavior, and healthy lifestyle choices, is strongly associated with increased longevity and a higher quality of life in later years. According to several studies, conscientious individuals live longer, partly because they are more organized, manage stress better, and adhere to healthier routines.Cano’s real strength is his connection, as he lives with his family, has kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandchildren all around him. He finds happiness in community and daily routine, not in products or trends.

More about Luis Cano

Born on December 9, 1914, Cano served in the Colombian Army, then ran a bus fleet, married in 1948, and moved to the US in the 1990s. He’s got 10 kids, 11 grandkids, five great-grandkids, and two great-great-grandchildren. He says building a life in America was his biggest achievement.His wife passed away in 2004, and now he lives with two children. Cano likes watching airplanes from his window and reflecting on life. He, in fact, is a local celebrity — people honk for his birthday, and the mayor stops by to honor him!