TCL: You’ve lived so many different lives — from doctor to cultural guardian to champion for ageing well and now model. What helps you know when it was time to make a change, and how did you find the courage to follow such a diverse path in life? 

Dr. Lin: People often ask me why I’ve taken such varied paths in life, but for me, each shift came very naturally. When I graduated from medical school, becoming a doctor felt like the right thing — it was my responsibility. Later, as life evolved, I followed new opportunities that matched my values and the season I was in. 

What matters is aligning with your stage in life. For me, it’s not just about staying healthy as I age — it’s about ageing gracefully. That means approaching life with meaning, dignity, and curiosity. 

These days, I let my curiosity lead. I stay motivated by learning what excites me. If I could redesign education, I’d make it about helping people discover what they want to learn. Too often, learning is shaped by what society values — math, English, science. Those subjects are important, but real growth comes from personal interest. That’s the same principle I apply to ageing: it’s not about following a fixed path, it’s about cultivating a life that feels meaningful to you. And when you do that, your way of living naturally becomes something others want to learn from. 

TCL: These days, there’s so much focus on AI, speed, and the future. But you’ve spent your life preserving culture and looking to the past. Why do those stories and traditions still matter — especially now? 

Dr. Lin: As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more curious about how communities evolve. I want to understand the spirit of a place — its warmth, its traditions — and share those stories with others. 

History connects us. It shows where we come from and helps us understand ourselves and each other. Without it, places risk becoming indistinguishable — like in Star Trek, where every world looks the same. If we focus only on the future and forget the past, we lose our identity. 

That doesn’t mean I ignore the future — I use ChatGPT often. It’s a powerful tool for learning and imagining possibilities. But it’s still just that: a tool. Like a scalpel in surgery, it helps — but it can’t replace wisdom or values. I still make the decisions. 

I’m still learning what ageing gracefully really means — how to live it and share it. History helps. By looking at how people lived decades ago, we can better imagine what lies ahead. Technology is helpful, but we need to stay grounded in who we are. 

TCL: You’ve worked with both young people and elders. What have you seen about how generations can learn from each other? How can we make ageing something to embrace, not fear? 

Dr. Lin: I see life as a long race. Older people are on the final stretch — some are ahead, living well; others have fallen behind, feeling isolated or unwell. I want more people to “run ahead” by staying active in mind and body. 

Those who thrive tend to be open-hearted. They stay connected, keep learning, and are willing to share. Young people are naturally drawn to elders like that — they represent a kind of future worth growing into. 

It’s never too early to build a meaningful life. Follow your interests, try new things, and when you’re ready, share your story. You might be surprised by who’s listening. 

Ageing is natural — but decline and loneliness don’t have to be. That’s why I focus on what I call the “three powers”: social power, brain power, and stamina. Build those over time, and you’ll be more prepared for whatever comes. 

Community matters too. I’ve seen how faith helps people feel supported. In my church, we pray with those who are struggling — it brings a sense of belonging. One of my friends has Alzheimer’s. He takes photos from his window every day — sunsets, trees — and shares them online. It helps him feel connected. That’s ageing gracefully: not avoiding decline, but continuing to find meaning.  

TCL: As someone who has lived with such purpose, has your idea of “success” changed over time? What would you tell young people about building a life they’ll be proud of at 80 or 90? 

Dr. Lin: Absolutely. When I was young, success meant good grades and making my family proud. But I never chased recognition — I just wanted to do what felt meaningful. 

I was lucky to have teachers in Taipei who encouraged my curiosity. That shaped who I became. At every stage of life, I believe we should ask: What matters to me now? What draws my interest? That’s how we grow. 

I’ve always loved learning — libraries were important to me, and now I use ChatGPT to explore new ideas. Lately, I’ve been diving into classical poetry. I’m fascinated by how ancient poets described nature and life — their language still feels alive today. 

One example I love is the “24 Solar Terms,” an ancient Chinese calendar rooted in astronomy and the rhythms of nature. For centuries, it guided daily life. Today, I see how it connects to modern science — when East meets West, and old meets new, that spark is what makes learning joyful. 

TCL: You’ve already achieved so much, at this point in your life, what still excites you or makes you want to get up in the morning and try something new? 

Dr. Lin: Lately, I’ve felt more tired than usual. My heart races, and it’s hard to slow down. For the first time, I’ve felt physically close to death. Sometimes I wonder if it’s time to go — but then I think of my wife. My children are doing well, but she still needs me. That keeps me going. 

My days are still full, but the pace has changed. I’ve returned to simplicity — focusing on taste, smell, sound, and touch. There’s joy in the little things now. 

I’ve always been curious. Even now, I want to know how things are made, how they came to be. That curiosity still makes life interesting. Recently, I took a trip with an old classmate just to have breakfast in another city. Their tradition of a big breakfast came from farming roots — a small detail, but full of meaning. 

When you slow down, you notice more. Life still has surprises — if you’re paying attention. 

TCL: From everything you’ve seen — as a doctor, a cultural leader, and someone who’s lived with deep purpose — what kinds of innovation do we truly need to help people live not just longer, but better lives? What’s missing from the conversation? 

Dr. Lin: Living longer isn’t enough — we must live well. That’s why I talk about the three powers: social power, brain power, and stamina. They’re the foundation of ageing gracefully. 

Medicine often focuses on extending life, but not always on improving its quality. I wish the healthcare system cared more about how people live, not just how long. 

What’s missing is a sense of security — especially for older adults. If you’re in pain, you shouldn’t have to wait months to get help. We need systems that respond to real, urgent needs. 

But beyond that, it’s up to us. We have to care for ourselves — eat well, stay active, manage stress. No system can do that for you. Living well is something only you can do.