Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of the Rolling Stones, is an enigma. As he approaches his 80s, he continues to perform with the energy of a man decades younger, defying all expectations considering his well-documented rock and roll lifestyle. By all accounts, Keith should be dead by now. He himself seems to acknowledge this, often smiling wryly when reflecting on his past. This article delves into the apparent paradox of Keith Richards's continued vitality, exploring his lifestyle, diet, and the potential key to his longevity.
A Life Lived on the Edge
Keith Richards's lifestyle choices have been far from conventional. For years, he reportedly consumed a bottle of Jack Daniels daily, a stark contrast to the current recommendation of no more than two drinks a week. He was also a heavy smoker for over 50 years, estimated to have smoked at least 500,000 cigarettes before quitting just a few years ago.
His diet hasn't exactly been a model of health either. Eschewing the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, Keith has always favored comfort food. His favorite meal is bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes), and he also enjoys burgers, steak, and fish. Additionally, until fairly recently, exercise was not a part of Keith’s routine.
The Million-Dollar Question: How Did He Survive?
Given these factors, the question of how Keith Richards has not only survived but continues to thrive is a compelling one. While genetics undoubtedly play a role, a closer look suggests that something more profound might be at play. It is believed that he found passion and purpose in the work he does.
The Power of Purpose
Unlike many, Keith found his "thing." His purpose-driven life - doing work that he loves to do - is what keeps him alive and healthy. Keith is happiest when he is playing his guitar - it’s what he loves to do. Being a member of the Rolling Stones gives Keith a sense of identity, it keeps him socially engaged and he benefits from the companionship and camaraderie with his other band mates. When playing in front of an audience you can see Keith come alive. It puts him in a state of flow where he is swallowed up by the passion for what he is doing. It allows him to express himself giving him a core sense of who he is along with a strong sense of connection to others.
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Keith is living proof that health and longevity is not just about healthy food choices or how much we exercise. Keith’s purpose made his life worth living and playing in the band in front of audiences likely protected him from all those poor lifestyle choices he made over the past 50+ years.
Scientific Backing for a Purpose-Driven Life
The idea that purpose can significantly impact health is not just anecdotal. Studies have proven that people who have a strong purpose in life benefit from improved well-being, including better sleep; fewer strokes and heart attacks; and a lower risk of dementia, disability, and premature death.
Keith was lucky - he found purpose early in life but many of us are not that fortunate. We are forced to defer finding our purpose until our other important needs are met. Raising the kids, achieving financial security, saving up for retirement are a priority. But once that is behind us we have a chance to find our purpose and become the person we were always meant to be.
Finding Purpose in Later Life
Finding fulfillment and meaning through some purposeful activity will allow you to enjoy old age instead of growing smaller and spending your time complaining to others about your ailments or being bored. Purpose is something that we need until our last breath. And Keith Richards continues to show up and show us how this is possible.
The Shepherd's Pie Ritual
Beyond the deeper aspects of purpose and passion, Keith Richards also has some unique habits and preferences. One such tradition is his insistence on eating shepherd's pie before every Rolling Stones concert. This tradition dates back to at least the late ’80s, when Keith first requested the dish on the band’s catering menu to help life on tour feel more like life at home. According to Classic Rock, Keith was so adamant about his shepherd’s pie that if he didn’t get it, he would refuse to play the show. “It’s now famous, my rule on the road,” Keith wrote in his 2010 autobiography Life. “Nobody touches the shepherd’s pie till I’ve been in there. Keith also has a “top secret” hack for the perfect shepherd’s pie, which he let the BBC in on. “That does add zest to the whole thing,” Keith told the BBC. While seemingly quirky, this ritual may provide a sense of comfort and normalcy amidst the chaos of touring, further contributing to his well-being.
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Other Theories and Modern Interventions
At 76 years of age, Keith Richards’ longevity has long been a source of bafflement. There are rumors of blood transfusions. Some theorize that he is pickled. Having recently done NAD+ therapy myself, I think that this may be his secret.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a naturally occurring coenzyme that decreases as we age. It is found in all cells of the body and is involved in a number of functions, including the production of energy in the mitochondria, DNA repair, cell survival, and metabolism. In layman’s terms, NAD+’s main purpose is to fuel metabolic reactions forward.
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