At 59, Singapore-based fashion photographer and former model Chuando Tan continues to surprise people with his youthful appearance. Born on March 3, 1966, Tan first gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s as one of Asia’s most prominent male models before transitioning into a successful photographer behind the camera.

In 2017, he went viral after a Chinese website highlighted his Instagram profile, drawing attention not to his photography, but to the fact that he looked decades younger than his actual age. Since then, many have been curious about how he maintains his physique and skin without resorting to cosmetic procedures.

Chuando Tan keeps it simple — 70% of staying youthful comes from diet, and the remaining 30% comes from exercise.

Tan has consistently credited his lifestyle rather than genetics alone. In interviews, he has explained his philosophy in simple terms: “…70 percent is diet, and the other 30 percent is exercise.” According to him, ageing well is less about chasing youth and more about maintaining vitality.

He has openly acknowledged that he feels his age physically, noting that energy levels naturally decline over time. However, he believes that disciplined habits can help slow that decline and support overall well-being.

Diet plays the central role in his routine. Tan focuses on whole, minimally processed foods and avoids ultra-processed meals.

His breakfast typically includes six eggs, although he consumes only two yolks, along with a glass of milk. At times, he adds avocados or berries. For lunch and dinner, he prefers simple meals such as grilled chicken with brown rice and vegetables, and occasionally fish soup.

He avoids coffee, alcohol, and smoking, and makes hydration a priority by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. He has also mentioned taking vitamin C supplements to support skin and immune health. His cooking style is deliberately simple, often using minimal oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil.

Tan says mobility becomes increasingly critical with age, and walking well supports independence and health.

Exercise forms the remaining 30 percent of his formula. Tan does not claim to be in the gym constantly. In fact, he has admitted that there are periods when he reduces his workouts. However, he generally aims for three to five strength-training sessions per week, each lasting 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the routine.

His workouts focus on compound movements, including squats, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups, deadlifts, and presses. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups and help maintain lean muscle mass, which tends to decline with age. He also incorporates low-intensity cardio such as brisk walking on a treadmill or swimming. Importantly, he advises against “ego lifting” at his age, meaning he avoids excessively heavy weights that could strain joints.

Lower body strength is particularly important to him. Tan has pointed out that mobility becomes critical as people age, and maintaining the ability to walk comfortably supports overall independence and health.

Tan says he is not “forever young” and admits he feels pressure to maintain a youthful image.

Sleep and recovery are also essential parts of his routine. Tan prefers to go to bed by 11 p.m. and typically finishes his last meal several hours before bedtime. He limits screen exposure in the evenings to improve sleep quality. This focus on rest supports muscle recovery, hormone balance, and overall energy levels.

Rather than relying on expensive treatments, he keeps his skincare routine simple, using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. He has publicly stated that he does not depend on cosmetic surgery, and the only aesthetic maintenance he acknowledges is dyeing his gray hair once a month.

Despite public perception, Tan has clarified that he does not consider himself “forever young.” He has admitted feeling pressure because people expect him to maintain a youthful image. Internally, he says, he is ageing like everyone else. What sets him apart is consistency. He began exercising seriously in his early 20s and has maintained disciplined habits for decades. That long-term commitment appears to be the foundation of his current appearance.