102-yr-old neurologist stumbled upon his dad's century-old handwritten pickle recipe—then people went crazy for it

Having a passion in life can keep you curious and lively for decades. A beautiful example of this is the thriving 102-year-old Dr. Howard Tucker. His Instagram (@drhowardtucker) tells you that he’s a WWII veteran and neurologist. He is also the oldest practicing male doctor and received a Guinness World Record for this accomplishment. However, there’s a vibrant addition to his achievements. A post shared by u/fiftyfathoms1 on Reddit revealed that Tucker discovered his dad’s century-old pickle recipe and immediately embarked on the adventure of recreating it. People can’t get enough of his passion and energy. 

Having seen it all in the 102 years of his life, the veteran has only one goal— to “keep trying.” He was a practicing professional until COVID, when he was forced to put a pause to his work, per PEOPLE. Nevertheless, he kept teaching medicine and reading up on neurology every day, per News 5 Cleveland. He is a man who is up and at it, and that inspired a documentary titled “What’s Next,” revolving around his life and enthusiasm. Director Taylor Taglianetti rightly noted, “He’s always looking forward. That's what's so apt about the title — he doesn't dwell.” One project after another, Dr. Tucker recently chanced upon his father’s century-old handwritten pickle recipe.

Dr. Tucker was so happy that he attempted to give the recipe a shot. @whatsnextmovie shared a video on TikTok of the elderly man well-engrossed in making the pickles. He even shared a 7-step guide and worked on each process with the energy and excitement of a toddler. These steps involved cutting and washing the cucumbers, salting the brine, crushing garlic, packing up the jars with the deliciousness, adding the brine and “smiling and waiting” for some well-done pickles. The Reddit post consisted of the 102-year-old holding his very first batch of pickles with the cutest smile of victory.

Ever since then, Dr. Tucker has come a long way and has worked quite a bit on his pickle-ing skills. The TikTok video captured 3 jars in the making and the veteran’s excitement remains beaming as ever. “He says it tastes just like he remembers,” the Reddit post read. In a comment, the OP added, “The man is literally curing patients and cucumbers! I don’t know what’s more impressive—his memory, his medical license or his pickling skills. His father also lived to 96, so there must be something to this recipe.” There has been a craze over Reddit ever since, both for his recipe and his enthusiastic energy.

u/Princess_Sukida said, “Did he share his pickle recipe? Because I think I need it.” u/ObviouslyMaddy commended him and wrote, “Out here curing brains by day and pickling cucumbers by night.” u/No-Gas-1684 said, “I hate pickles but that is one happy man right there! Congratulations!” u/Desperate-Dirt-4788 remarked, “This man just hit level 102 and unlocked the Secret Family Pickle Lore quest. Honestly? I trust these pickles with my life. Brine runs deep.” u/Recycletheworld spoke for many and said, “This is so excellent! What I would give to have one of those pickles and a chat with him!” 

You can follow Dr. Howard Tucker (@drhowardtucker) on Instagram and (@whatsnextmovie) on TikTok for more updates and wholesome content on the veteran.