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This 59-year-old Singaporean photographer’s insanely youthful looks make him appear decades younger; here’s his secret

Published on: Feb 24, 2026, 15:44:33 IST
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Chuando Tan, 59, challenges ageing perceptions with his youthful appearance, credited to a disciplined lifestyle and balanced diet. (Instagram/@chuando_chuandoandfrey)
Chuando Tan, 59, challenges ageing perceptions with his youthful appearance, credited to a disciplined lifestyle and balanced diet. (Instagram/@chuando_chuandoandfrey)

At 59, Chuando Tan credits his youthful looks to good genetics and disciplined habits, including a balanced diet and consistent calorie management.

Many consider ageing an inevitable decline in energy and vitality, but Chuando Tan has built a reputation challenging that belief. The Singaporean photographer and former model has become widely known for his remarkably youthful appearance, maintaining a toned physique and smooth complexion that often leads people to assume he is decades younger. Now 59, Tan frequently gets mistaken for someone in his late 20s. (Also read: Sania Mirza follows a ‘protein-heavy diet, walks 5–7 km daily’; shares her fitness and skincare routine after retirement )

How Chuando Tan maintains his youthful appearance

With more than one million followers on social media, his age-defying looks continue to draw global attention. Over the years, he has also worked with high-profile celebrities, including Janet Jackson, Rita Ora, and Shu Qi, according to South China Morning Post.

Tan credits his youthful appearance to a mix of good genetics and consistent lifestyle habits. Discipline, he says, plays a central role. In an interview with CNA Lifestyle, he shared details of his daily routine, which begins with a simple but nutrient-rich breakfast, typically a protein shake or oatmeal paired with eggs, honey, and avocado. His lunch and dinner usually consist of steamed or grilled chicken or fish, served with broth and rice.

Tan strongly believes in maintaining a balance between calorie intake and physical activity. “The activities that you do during the day should be equal to the calories that you burn during that day, as simple as that. And the amount of food that you consume during the day is equal to the calories that you put in your body,” he told the publication, emphasising that consistency matters more than extremes.

‘There is no magic formula’

British media reported that Tan first went viral in July 2017 after a Chinese website spotlighted his Instagram profile, triggering a massive surge in followers. The sudden attention brought an overwhelming wave of messages from around the world. “[I got] tonnes of messages from strangers all around the world. Even TV stations and notable news websites, they all wanted to know how I did it,” he told CNA, admitting that he stayed home for nearly two weeks due to the unexpected spotlight.

Despite the admiration, Tan remains candid about ageing. “I do feel the pressure. Because deep inside, I know I'm not that young. I'm ageing. So I'm not going to give the false impression that I'm forever young. Maybe they all want a shortcut, a secret to how to keep their youth?” he said, acknowledging that while there is no magic formula, discipline and balance have been key to his journey.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Akanksha Agnihotri
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Akanksha Agnihotri

    Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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