Imagine looking half your age without resorting to the latest anti-ageing interventions. Sounds like an impossible dream! I was absolutely astounded when I stumbled upon Chuando Tan, a 58-year-old Singaporean fashion photographer who excels in his camera skills and stuns with his Clark Kent-esque, insanely youthful appearance and Greek-god physique. He seems to defy age, looking decades younger than his actual age.
Chuando’s ageless look isn’t about lavish biohacks or emptying the wallet; instead, he offers achievable tips for tapping into the fountain of youth for us mere mortals, with no high costs, just high commitment.
From pop star to shutterbug
Chuando’s backstory is far from typical. The youngest son of the late respected Chinese ink artist Tan Tee Chie, he graduated with a diploma in graphic design from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Chuando began modelling at 16 and later ventured into a music career as Chen Yufei, releasing a Mandopop album in 1993. Yet, because of his inherent shyness, the showbiz life didn’t fit him.
The transition from stardom to photography was seamless for Chuando, who formed one half of the ChuanDo & Frey duo, taking on projects for major fashion titles and celebs such as Janet Jackson (shooting the cover of her 2008 album Discipline), Rita Ora, Rosamund Kwan, Shu Qi, and Angelababy. He also founded modelling agency Ave Management in 2005. Chuando preferred to remain out of the spotlight, until a breakthrough on Instagram in 2015 changed everything.
He created @chuando_chuandoandfrey on the advice that a worthwhile social media presence could attract clients. Admitted to being vain, he occasionally shared personal, playful photos, including several showcasing his wrinkle-free skin and ribbed torso. In 2017, his Instagram profile went viral after a Chinese website featured it due to his youthful appearance, and his follower count surged to 1.5 million today. Now, guys want to be like him, and girls want to be with him!
The power of diet and exercise
Chuando believes that his enviable physique primarily stems from diet discipline. “You are what you eat”, he insists, attributing 70% of his body’s condition to his food choices and 30% to his workout regimen.
His day starts with a hearty breakfast consisting of a protein shake or oatmeal and six eggs. He consumes only two yolks to keep his cholesterol in check. Lunch and dinner usually comprise steamed or grilled chicken, vegetables, rice, and fish broth. Protein, according to Chuando, is non-negotiable for sustaining well-being.
Even his occasional indulgences, like ice cream, are moderated. Importantly, he avoids caffeine, drinks plenty of water, and abstains from smoking and alcohol.
Chuando, who humbly refers to himself as “an old man who exercises and takes care of himself”, acknowledges the role of genetics in shaping his remarkable physique. However, he emphasises that his journey toward health and fitness started conventionally when he began weightlifting in his early 20s.
His fitness routine today includes strength training a few times a week and almost daily swimming, accommodating for a knee injury with brisk walks on the treadmill rather than running.
Regarding skincare, Chuando maintains a simple routine. He experimented with Botox once, specifically around his eyes, but was not fond of the results. He openly acknowledges signs of ageing, such as presbyopia, and resorts to dyeing his lush hair to conceal the emerging grey strands.
Simplicity in supplements and sunlight
Eschewing complex supplement regimens, Chuando sticks to a simple vitamin C supplement to bolster body repair through its antioxidant benefits. He gets his vitamin D from moderate sunlight exposure.
Mental health and positive relationships
Chuando emphasises the significance of mental and emotional health, recognising the importance of positive relationships and a mental outlook. He believes maintaining a jovial spirit and engaging with loved ones is essential for a fulfilling life.
In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, he shared a few tips on ageing with grace and vitality:
Engage in regular compound exercises with weights, such as squats and lunges, which target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. These exercises are efficient in burning calories, strengthening the core, and building muscle mass.
Ensure adequate exposure to sunlight during the early morning or late afternoon hours to facilitate the synthesis of vitamin D while avoiding the ageing effects associated with excessive sunlight exposure.
Cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships and foster a positive outlook on life for mental and emotional well-being. Social connections play a crucial role in warding off depression. A positive attitude significantly influences the ageing process - optimism and the openness to embrace new challenges can lessen the effects of ageing and improve the quality of life.
What is Chuando’s last word on ageing? “By the time I reach 60, of course, I’m still going to do whatever I love, but I would want to take care of my inner self, mental health and all that.”
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