TSMC founder Morris Chang, 94, was absent from the company’s sports day on November 8 due to minor health issues, sparking concern about his well-being. Chang has long followed a disciplined lifestyle, including regular exercise and a light diet. Notably, he eats a slice of papaya every morning, which has helped improve his longstanding stomach issues and may also offer anti-cancer benefits.
At the 2023 TSMC Sports Day, Chang shared that between the ages of 24 and 50, he didn’t exercise but maintained a highly structured routine: waking at 5:30–6 a.m., arriving at the office by 8:30 a.m., returning home at 6:30 p.m., preparing for bed at 10 p.m., and sleeping by 11 p.m. He limited weekly work hours to under 50 and kept social events to no more than twice a month, each lasting less than 90 minutes.
At age 50, Chang realized that neglecting exercise could negatively affect his health later in life. Since then, he has exercised at least three to four times a week for around 40 minutes per session, eventually progressing to daily workouts over the past 10–20 years. He believes this consistent exercise has been crucial for his post-50 health.
Chang’s diet is equally disciplined. He starts his day with fresh vegetable and fruit juice, and his lunch and dinner are light, usually consisting of one fish, one meat, and one vegetable dish, prepared with minimal oil and salt. His wife, TSMC co-founder Tzu-Fen Chang, revealed that while he loves fried foods, she limits him to one serving per week — only fried sea fish.
Papaya, a staple in Chang’s breakfast, contains polyphenols and flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its soft fiber helps suppress unnecessary chronic inflammation, boosts beneficial immune responses, and has potential anti-cancer effects. Chang credits his daily papaya slice with significantly improving his stomach condition.
Genetics also play a role in Chang’s longevity: his father lived to 86 and his mother to 102. According to colorectal surgeon Dr. Lu Yan-Rong, certain genes are scientifically linked to anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to longer life. However, even with favorable genetics, lifestyle and diet remain key factors in longevity.
