By: Andréa Dunnam

Director of Events, The Plantrician Project

Frederick Distelhorst, a.k.a., “Fred” (by friends), “Dr. D” (by patients), and “Opi” (by family), is a living example of exemplary health. He is 95 years-young and is living life to its fullest.

By practicing healthy habits, Fred attains better physical and mental health. He eats a plant-based diet and combines aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises into his daily routine. He is an avid skier and began his plant-based journey, in 2011, after reading Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr.’s book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease.

Fred was a dentist in the US Army and then became an orthodontist. In 2017, at the age of 88, he became the oldest man to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. He believes that taking care of yourself is important and that giving back is essential.

Fred is a great inspiration to others, and we are excited to share his story of thriving with our Plantrician community.