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John Mac Ghlionn

Singaporean fashion photographer Chuando Tan has garnered acclaim for his captivating images of his subjects, and of himself.
With chiselled abs and a youthful visage, Tan looks far younger than his 58 years.
The youngest son of painter Tan Tee Chie, his journey into the world of imagery began as a model in the 1980s. He was briefly a pop vocalist during the 90s, before pivoting to photography.
About a decade ago, Tan opened an Instagram account for the studio he established with photographer Frey Ow, ChuanDo & Frey, and posted a series of self-portraits and captivating captions.

His age-defying appearance swiftly captured attention online. Today, the Instagram account has more than 1.5 million followers.
There was plenty of speculation about his youthful looks; some commenters attributed them to genetic inheritance, while others lauded the purported benefits of Singapore’s air, superior healthcare infrastructure, and access to premium products.
The Post spoke with Tan about his daily regimen.
Tan believes that what we eat has considerable influence over how we feel and how we look. Our diet accounts for 70 per cent of our physical and mental well-being, he believes, with physical activity contributing the rest.

His usual breakfast consists of six hard-boiled eggs, although he discards two yolks to keep his cholesterol levels in check. Occasionally he has an avocado with berries.
Tan’s other meals often feature chicken with rice, grilled vegetables and fish broth. He enjoys ice cream now and then. Steering clear of coffee and tea, he drinks lots of water to stay hydrated.
When asked about the one food he could not live without, Tan doesn’t pick out a particular item, but chooses a food group.
“Protein,” he says, “is essential for maintaining our overall well-being.”

If he had to pick a favourite meal, Tan would opt for a dish with some form of protein and vegetables in clear soup.
The choice underscores his commitment to a balanced diet, prioritising nutrients that support vitality and longevity.
Tan’s fitness regimen targets strength training, three or four half-hour sessions a week. He also does brisk treadmill walks, and swims almost every day.
He takes a vitamin C supplement – “because it is a powerful antioxidant [that] plays a crucial role in repairing and rejuvenating our bodies”, he says.
For those seeking guidance on ageing with grace and vitality, Tan offers a few tips.


Do regular compound exercises with weights. Squats, lunges, bench presses and pull-ups work multiple muscle groups at the same time. Studies show these time-effective routines help burn more calories, improve and build intermuscular coordination, strengthen the core and build muscle mass.


Spend enough time in the sun to allow vitamin D synthesis, but beware that too much sun exposure can accelerate the ageing process. Tan recommends early morning and/or evening as the best times.


Nurture relationships with loved ones. Having social connections doesn’t just make us feel included and cared for, research shows; it’s also the strongest protective factor against depression.


Above all, he emphasises the significance of maintaining a positive outlook. Tan believes that “mindset plays a crucial role in shaping one’s path”, and that positivity has a profound impact on ageing. Cultivating optimism and embracing new challenges, he suggests, can mitigate ageing’s effects and enhance overall quality of life.

Does he consider himself a biohacker, among the legions of people trying to turn back the clock?
No, says Tan. He shuns labels. Despite his dedication to health and wellness, he says he is simply a “normal human being”.
Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.


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Wellness

How to age well? We ask Singaporean photographer Chuando Tan, 58, who looks half his age

Lots of water, lots of protein, exercise, a positive attitude and a little sunshine: these are the secrets to looking young as you age, says Singaporean photographer and influencer Chuando Tan, 58. Photo: instagram.com/chuando_chuandoandfrey


Tan posted this photo of himself from 1989, aged 23. Photo: instagram.com/chuando_chuandoandfrey

Tan, having a mug of tea with ice cream, enjoys this dessert once in a while. Photo: instagram.com/ chuando_chuandoandfrey

Tan celebrated his 58th birthday in March. Having a positive outlook on life is a key to his age-defying looks, he says. Photo: facebook.com/chuando.official

Tan recommends spending enough time in the sun to allow vitamin D synthesis, but warns that too much sun exposure can accelerate the ageing process. Photo: instagram.com/chuando_chuandoandfrey

How to live to 100 and beyond: blue zones’ healthy longevity secrets spread to new places

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Dan Buettner speaks with 101-year-old Maria Roberta in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Photo: David McLain

100-year-old Marge Jetton does some strength training in Loma Linda, California. Photo: David McLain

Buettner has a bowl of butternut squash soup with a centenarian in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Photo: David McLain

Almost all Okinawan centenarians grow or used to grow a garden, providing daily physical activity that can help reduce stress and boost mood – and a regular source of fresh vegetables. Photo: David McLain 

In Blue Zones project cities in North America, small changes make big differences, such as creating a “walking school bus” – a group of children who walk to school with one or more adults – to curb childhood obesity. Photo: Shutterstock 

Can you slow down ageing? 4 women who believe they can share their top tips for turning back the clock

How can women in their 40s and beyond slow the ageing process? Three women who have share their tips. Photo: Getty Images

Julie Gibson Clark shows you do not have to invest lots of money to slow down ageing. Photo: Julie Gibson Clark

Longevity experts recommend weightlifting as a way to build and maintain muscles and strength and rid the body of those niggling aches and pains that come with age. Photo: Shutterstock

Fasting is good for us in so many different ways, says Mindy Pelz. Photo: Mindy Pelz

JJ Virgin says creatine is an important nutrient to take as a supplement. Photo: JJ Virgin

Put on your blue light filtering glasses in the evening to block out screen light, says Alka Patel. Photo: Alka Patel

‘If you live to 100, you might as well be happy’: Korean psychiatrist, 89, on ageing facts

The second half of life is when you can live well because you have the experience from living the first half, author Rhee Kun-hoo (above) says.
Photo: The Korea Times

The cover of Rhee’s book.

When life is challenging, choose to be happy anyway. Photo: Shutterstock

The body naturally ages, but a positive mindset can help live life to the fullest and drown out feelings of loss and helplessness. Photo: Shutterstock

Try to use the words young people use, to speak in a way that young people, who have different lifestyles and thought patterns, can understand. Photo: Shutterstock

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8 ways to boost energy and productivity and be less tired – a Malaysian-Chinese life coach and author’s advice

Moving your body regularly is one of life coach Simon Ong’s tips on how to boost energy and productivity and be less tired. Photo: Shutterstock

Simon Ong quit his job after suffering from burnout and shifted his focus from time management to energy management. Photo: Simon Ong

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Simon Ong onstage with Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at an event in London in January 2023. Photo: Instagram.com/simonalexandero

The cover of Simon Ong’s book. Photo: Penguin

Making time to disconnect and live in the present is a powerful way to rejuvenate the mind and body. Photo: Shutterstock

Calling someone to tell them how much they have made a difference in your life, and thanking them for it, elevates their energy and yours. Photo: Shutterstock

How to age well: biking billionaire John Caudwell, 71, steers clear of sugar, sneaks KFC

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Caudwell in front of his development Le Provençal on the French Riviera. Photo: John Caudwell

Caudwell and his partner Modesta Vzesniauskaite on board the superyacht Titania. Photo: John Caudwell

Caudwell and his partner spend most of their time at Caudwell’s home in Staffordshire, in the UK. Photo: John Caudwell

Caudwell and his partner, a former Olympian cyclist, ready to go for a spin. On June 22 he was tackling the 280km Chase the Sun cycling race in Italy. Photo: John Caudwell

Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Health

Singaporean influencer Chuando Tan, 58, says diet and exercise are key to looking and feeling younger than our age, as is a positive outlook


He’s 58 but looks 28 – what is Chuando Tan’s secret? Lots of water, lots of protein, exercise, a positive attitude and a little sunshine, says Singaporean photographer and influencer.
