Living Proof: Tom Brewer

Healthy South Bay Senior still thriving at 74.

It’s hard to tell that Thomas (Tom) Brewer, 74, is a retiree. The former clinical microbiologist at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center—and twice-elected council member for the city of Torrance—has always volunteered. Now that he’s “retired,” his volunteer interests have blossomed into what some might consider part-time jobs.

When we met for coffee in Torrance, where he has lived for 72 years, Tom shared his weekly routine. While he may squeeze in more when asked, typically Tom works six-hour shifts on Tuesday and Saturday at the Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Tom volunteers at the Torrance Historical Society as a docent and associate museum coordinator. Currently he serves as the president of the Rotary Club of West Torrance.

“Clearly, I like to stay busy,” Tom says with a chuckle. “It’s fun to do, and I believe that if you’re active and try to learn something new every day, it will keep you young—I certainly don’t feel old.”

Tom prioritizes his mental and physical health by waking early and reading daily, followed by walking along the Esplanade or playing pickleball with friends. His healthy diet can be traced back to his childhood when sweets and sodas weren’t allowed. But after his younger brother died at the age of 62 from a heart attack, Tom reassessed the way he eats.

“When my brother died, I was 65. The shock of his heart attack made me reconsider how I was eating. All my friends would tell you that I used to eat a lot.” Tom reduced portion sizes and remained active: biking, skiing and playing softball.

Volunteering at the farmers market inspires Tom to buy fresh fruits, herbs and produce each week. He loves to cook too, especially homemade sauces with organic tomatoes, garlic and basil—“or whatever fresh herbs are available at the farmers market.”

An experimental cook who doesn’t follow or write recipes down, Tom sometimes annoys Carolyn, his wife of 35 years. “She’ll sometimes ask me what I did differently with my sauce or if I can write a recipe down, and I’m just never sure. It drives her nuts,” he says with a sly smile.

Fun, Happy, Healthy

The couple plans “bucket list trips” together and now has the freedom to take short midweek jaunts, instilling a sense of adventure into their relationship and retirement. “Frequent travel has become integral to supporting our mental well-

being and personal growth. We routinely visit at least one new country each year in addition to multiple excursions within the U.S.” 

This fall they will go to New Zealand. However, Tom says, quick midweek jaunts around California, and especially Solvang, have been “really fun.” And when possible, they visit their daughter, Chelsea, and her husband, John, in Potomac, Maryland.

Longevity experts say the keys to a healthy, long life include mindful eating of a diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, endeavors filled with purpose, staying active, having a community of friends and building relationships that incorporate moments of fun. Clearly, Tom is on the road to a long and healthy life.

Daily Routine: 

You’ve likely heard the monikers “you are what you eat” or “move it or lose it.” With that in mind, here’s a glance into Tom Brewer’s daily diet and exercise routine.

 

Breakfast: “None!” Tom prefers to sip coffee as he reads the paper.

Morning exercise: He walks the Esplanade or plays pickleball.

 

Lunch: On the days he works at the Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market, Tom eats fresh fruit and nuts. Other days, he prefers a turkey sandwich and apple slices with peanut butter.

 

Dinner: Homemade pasta sauce with spaghetti (no bread) and a mixed-greens salad. His favorite salad includes arugula, spinach, romaine, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese with a homemade dressing made from lemon, honey, olive oil and red wine vinegar. He drinks one glass of red wine.

 

Dessert: One piece of dark chocolate.