He’s 101 years old, still sharp as ever — and yes, apparently still got all his teeth too. That’s the impression you get from the heartfelt tribute paid by Dr. Esther Sternberg to the legendary American neurologist Seymour Reichlin. A longtime friend and collaborator, Sternberg took a closer look at the man himself through the lens of the latest scientific research. Her aim? To uncover which traits might explain his remarkable mental agility. Turns out, a good dose of humor and curiosity might be part of the formula.
Born in 1924, Reichlin made his mark as a physician and researcher with major contributions in understanding how the nervous and hormonal systems interact. A true trailblazer in neuroendocrinology and immunology, he held professorships at several top American universities — from Rochester to Tufts to the University of Arizona. He also served as president of the Endocrine Society in the 1970s and was the founding president of the Pituitary Society. With more than 400 publications to his name and multiple accolades, his legacy in medical science is undeniable.
Even now, at 101, he’s still intellectually active — delving into the neural and hormonal foundations of near-death experiences. So what’s his secret to staying so mentally sharp?
In an article for Genomic Press, Sternberg explored Reichlin’s personality and temperament to see what insights could be drawn from studies on dementia prevention. Her focus: the traits that may have helped him maintain such vibrant cognitive health for over a century.
Staying connected with others
Reichlin is, above all, incredibly sociable. He’s known for his joyful spirit and deep loyalty in friendships — and he’s spent his life nurturing strong ties with researchers across generations. He’s made a habit of seeing people in person whenever possible, whether it’s over a meal or through regular visits.
This kind of social engagement matters. As Sternberg points out, research consistently shows that having positive relationships lowers stress levels and reduces the risk of illness. And studies on centenarians suggest that a long, healthy life often goes hand-in-hand with rich, intergenerational connections.
By contrast, chronic loneliness takes a heavy toll — some research even equates it to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day in terms of its impact on health.
Staying curious and open to new experiences
In recent years, Reichlin has embraced a spiritual path of sorts, using his background in neuroendocrinology and neuroscience to explore so-called “edge” experiences — especially near-death experiences. He’s investigated the sensations and visions people report during clinical death or deep comas, and he remains deeply fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind.
But his curiosity doesn’t stop at science. He’s equally captivated by people, new experiences, and creative pursuits. Research backs him up here, too — being spiritually open and engaged with the world can help lower stress and build emotional resilience.
His approach to aging is particularly striking. Rather than resisting the changes that come with age, Reichlin has met them with calm acceptance — even curiosity. That mindset has allowed him to develop adaptive strategies and reframe challenges in a positive way, keeping his cognitive skills razor sharp.
Knowing how to laugh and make others laugh
Reichlin is also renowned for his wit and humor. He’s the kind of person who not only enjoys a good laugh, but reliably makes others laugh too — a quality that no doubt helps explain the many friendships he’s built over the years.
According to Sternberg, laughter isn’t just good for the soul — it has real neurological benefits. It activates the dopamine system, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental health, and reduces stress. In short, it’s one of the most enjoyable forms of self-care.
Making the most of everything
In the end, it’s probably the combination of things that has made the difference: his active social life, lifelong intellectual stimulation, sense of purpose, humor, and spiritual openness. Together, they’ve helped Reichlin achieve something truly rare — thriving cognitively and socially well past the age of 100.
Definitely something worth reflecting on.
Véronique Molénat
Journalist
Decoding how the body works—from organs, tissues and cells all the way down to organelles, molecules and atoms. Understanding how these elements fit together to create living systems. Figuring out why those systems sometimes go off-track. And then explaining it all in clear, accessible language. That has been my driving force for 30 years.
Trained in cell biology, animal physiology, nutrition, public health, and finally in science communication, I have explored health from many angles. Today, I put that expertise in the service of anyone who wants to make science understandable to all.
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