For most people, turning 60 is a quiet milestone. But for Chuando Tan, the Singaporean celebrity fashion photographer and former model, it’s become something of a public fascination. He’s built a substantial online following – over 1.7 million on Instagram and 69,000 on the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu – largely fueled by his remarkably youthful appearance.
Tan, who will turn 59 on , approaches the attention with a degree of bemusement. “People make a big deal about turning 60,” he says. “To me, it’s just another birthday.” Despite his protestations, his enduring good looks are no accident, but the result of decades of disciplined habits.
While often perceived as a fitness fanatic, Tan clarifies that his regimen isn’t about constant exertion. “People think I’m always exercising, but that’s not true. I’m a human being. I get lazy too,” he admits with a laugh. He describes periods – lasting three to six months – where he steps back from intense gym workouts, focusing instead on light cardio and basic movements.
The cornerstone of his age-defying approach, however, is diet. “I watch what I consume and put into my body, which I think is really important,” he emphasizes. “That contributes to how well you age and your vitality.” He actively avoids processed foods, prioritizing whole, minimally altered ingredients. He favors steak or chicken breast over patties, and whole vegetables over heavily seasoned dishes.
His home cooking is deliberately simple, often utilizing a rice cooker with minimal oil – almost exclusively organic extra virgin olive oil. In fact, he consumes the olive oil so regularly he’s been known to take it as a shot, typically paired with boiled eggs. His daily diet includes staples like honey, blueberries, garlic, and onions, all chosen for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While he does indulge in durian, he’s mindful of portion control.
“All these dietary habits have helped me become what I am today,” Tan states.
His exercise philosophy is equally pragmatic. He aims for five compound workouts per week – incorporating dumbbell squats, deadlifts, bench presses, pull-ups, and overhead presses, alongside treadmill cardio. Realistically, he manages three 90-minute sessions. He cautions against “ego lifting” and overloading joints, particularly at his age, stressing the importance of strengthening the lower body. “When you cannot walk, everything will just go downhill,” he explains.
Tan acknowledges a growing awareness of his physical limitations. “You start to feel your body is losing energy and steam. You have to push yourself; your body can just let go without you even trying,” he says. “To me, maintaining vitality is really important for healthy ageing.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Tan, who is single, jokingly suggests he’s considering retirement. “I just want to sit down, take a step back and enjoy a healthy life, and do what I like,” he says.
Photography, once his primary profession, is now pursued more selectively. He’ll consider projects that genuinely appeal to him, but no longer feels compelled to chase every opportunity. He released his Chinese-language self-help photo book, In Life, You Don’t Have To Win Every Time, in 2023, and hints at a new creative project in the works.
He’s also intrigued by Hyrox, a global functional fitness race gaining popularity among younger demographics. While hesitant to join a community where he doesn’t know anyone, he’s considering training for it as a personal challenge. “It will be to challenge myself,” he says. “I see it as a personal test of stamina and endurance rather than a competition.”
Reflecting on the year ahead, and in accordance with the Year of the Fire Horse, Tan shares a hopeful prediction. He was told that people born in 1966 will experience a particularly fortunate year. “That’s what I was told. We will have to see about that,” he adds with a wry smile.
