Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer and CEO of Armani, who redefined elegance with his innovative designs passed away at the age of 91. Deeply involved in his work till his last days, Armani believed work to be his best medicine, something he once told the Wall Street Journal in a 2024 interview. The fashion designer in his last interview to the Financial Times spoke about his passion for work. “Everything you will see has been done under my direction and carries my approval,” he said. From approving details, watching fittings to models’ make-up, Armani admitted that his biggest weakness was his inability to relinquish control. With the exception of a few shows in June and July, he never missed any.
As the fashion designer stayed active till the age of 91, one may wonder about his secret to longevity. His simple daily habits may hold the secret of his long life.
Passion for work
Work was the most important aspect in Armani’s life and seems to have a healing effect on him. When his health deteriorated in 2024, getting back to work aided his recovery. He told Wall Street Journal last year that “as soon as I started working again, I felt better.” Finding meaning and purpose in the work can profoundly affect well-being of an individual and boost quality of their life. Mayo Clinic says that your brain is like a muscle, and not using it can shrink it.
Stimulating your mind can also help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Balanced diet
The iconic designer focussed on a nutrient-filled balanced diet. He opened up to Harper’s Bazaar in 2012 about his favourite breakfast that included coffee, toast, and jam with fresh fruit and yoghurt. A light lunch, fruit as afternoon snack, herbal teas and lots of water were other elements of his diet. His dinner included foods like mozzarella, tomatoes, chicken or fish, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
Fruits and herbal teas are high in antioxidants and can protect damage caused by free radicals. Chicken and fish are high sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole foods are part of Mediterranean diet, which is widely considered as one of the healthiest dietary patterns available. From boosting longevity to lowering risk of diabetes and dementia, the eating pattern is linked with long-term wellness.
Workouts
Regular exercise can keep chronic issues at bay. Working out can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. It can also improve bone and muscle strength apart from a good mental health. According to Harper’s Bazaar Armani exercised every morning. His workout routine included walking, aerobics, weight exercises and stretches.
A study published in JAMA Network highlights that adults should do 150 to 300 minutes exercise per week of moderate exercise, 75 to 150 minutes each week of vigorous movement or an equivalent combination of both intensities. According to American Medical Association study, working out two to four times more than the minimum vigorous physical activity recommendations could cut risk of death from cardiovascular disease.