Paul McCartney's secret to staying young at 82 - from diet to eye yoga

Watching Sir Paul McCartney perform or speak in interviews, it's easy to momentarily forget that the legendary Beatles musician is now 82 years old. Despite his age, McCartney remains a dynamic force on stage, receiving high praise for his headlining performance at Glastonbury in 2022.

The prolific singer-songwriter has been captivating audiences for nearly seven decades, and his recent 'Got Back' tour saw him performing across various countries in 2022 and 2023. Remarkably, each show lasted almost three hours, showcasing his extraordinary stamina.

As a father-of-five, many wonder about the secret behind his enduring energy. Over time, McCartney has shared several of his methods for maintaining youthfulness, as reported by Express.co.uk.

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Diet

One notable aspect of his lifestyle is his diet. McCartney became a vegetarian in the 1970s alongside his late wife Linda. In 1991, Linda launched her own range of vegetarian food products, which remain popular to this day.

Discussing his dietary choices, McCartney said in the 2021 cookbook "Linda McCartney’s Family Kitchen": "Now of course, it’s really not difficult at all. You just go down the shops and most places will have great veggie options. ".

He reflected on the decision to become vegetarian: "It was a joint decision and we never looked back. It was a great thing to do, and it turned out we became part of a vegetarian revolution."

Numerous studies over the years have highlighted the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. For instance, research published in the British Medical Journal in 2019 discovered that vegetarians had a 22 percent lower risk of heart disease compared to meat eaters.

Furthermore, data presented at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in 2015 indicated that individuals who consumed red or processed meat daily had a 40 percent higher risk of bowel cancer. Even those who ate a "moderate amount" faced a 20 percent increased risk of the disease.

Eye yoga

Eye yoga is perhaps the most unusual trick McCartney has used to maintain his vision. The Wings frontman has been practising this technique since the late noughties, as reported by The Press and Journal. He shared this particular method with the public during a Table Manners podcast in 2021.

McCartney was inspired to try eye yoga following a trip to India, claiming he hasn't needed glasses since. Like traditional yoga, eye yoga consists of several different exercises. One such exercise is called palming, which involves placing your warm palms on your eyelids for about 10 seconds.

According to Lenstore experts, you can also try zooming - focusing on an object far away and then one closer, alternating between the two.

Music

It's well known that McCartney has had a passion for music since his teens. It's believed this could have positively impacted his health.

Music is often highlighted as a therapeutic tool for individuals with dementia, and Dementia UK has shed light on its benefits, stating: "For some people with dementia, music therapy has been shown to improve their thinking, feeling, perception, mood and behaviour. It can be used as part of a care plan."

Moreover, a comprehensive review of studies in 2021 revealed that musicians saw a 59 percent decrease in the risk of developing dementia, though the authors of the study have called for more extensive research.

Exercise

Exercise is another key component of a healthy lifestyle, and Sir Paul McCartney is no stranger to keeping fit. In a 2020 episode of the 'SmartLess' podcast, he divulged details about his exercise regimen, which includes foam rolling, stretching, using the cross trainer, and sometimes running.

"I have a very definite routine," he disclosed. What sets his routine apart, however, is the unconventional way he concludes it—with a headstand.

This challenging move, which tests core strength and balance, is described by McCartney as his "favourite part" of the workout.