TEN HABITS TO HELP YOU LIVE TO BE 100

Genes are important, but how well you live is more likely to determine how long you live. For instance: If you want to reduce your risk of stroke by 50% do the following four things 1 Physical activity 30 minutes each day 2. Five servings of vegetables or fruit each day 3. Quit smoking 4. Avoid excess alcohol.

You are more likely to live a long life if your parents did. Of course they may have lived longer if they followed the 4 steps above or, fortunately, escaped one of the major diseases that shorten life.

1. Take care of your teeth and floss every day
2. Exercise in some form every day
3. Stay connected to family and friends
4. Develop good habits and stick to them
5. Eat whole foods and not processed foods, for best nutrition
6. Add fiber to your diet
7. Cultivate a good attitude and don't be a diva
8. Find a system of spirituality that you can believe in
9. Get plenty of rest
10. Don't retire

A recent study shows that gum-disease and bacteria from an unattended mouth can flush harmful bacteria into your bloodstream. My dentist tells me that this can lead to heart problems and poor circulation in the arteries due to inflammation. Bad dental health can also lead to bad breath and tooth loss. Don't take chances with your heart ... you can prevent inflammation by flossing twice a day.

Walking, lifting weights, treadmilling, stretching, Pilates, and other forms of exercise will raise your immune level and lower your cholesterol. Cardio exercise can strengthen your heart and tone your skin. For a really good complexion drink plenty of water and get daily movement (excercise) outdoors in fresh air and sunshine. Should I say you need to consult with a health professional before starting an exercise program? From Yoga to resistance training the benefits are unbelievable. Start small and gradually build up your strength. Watch your weight. Childhood obesity can lead to adult diabetes and heart disease.

Stay connected with family and friends. This does not mean join Twitter or Facebook. Regular, real, social interaction has many benefits.Friends and family can form an invisible chain around you to support you when you need it most. Perhaps the loss of a loved one or family members leaves you with episodes of grief. Your friends will be near to give you comfort and advice.

Being a free spirit may serve you when you are young and eager to try new things, but as you age your will have learned almost every tried and true way to do something that is just right for you. Bedtime is 10 pm, wake-up is daylight, walk the dog at 9am, lunch is a light salad at noon and so on. You might play bridge every Wednesday or go to the comedy club on Thursday night. Don't forget your trips to the gym or fitness club and of course those frequent beauty salon treatments are a sure pleasure. Be good to yourself.

Guess I must be psychic - because I haven't eaten processed foods for 40 years or more. I am not a fruit eater, but love every vegetable - except hominy. Certain nutrients are best consumed from eating fresh, clean, fruits and vegetables and just a small amount of lean meat. Think of anti-oxidants, flavonoids, vitamin C, selenium, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Study what foods are best, or consult a dietitian for the best meal choices for you. While you are at it, avoid: caffeine, nicotine, fats, oils, bleached flour, sugar, salt, starches and artificially sweetened drinks in excess.Some of the best foods are: blueberries, cranberries, green tea, salmon, cantaloupe, raspberries, oranges, brocolli, strawberries, tomatoes, whole grain bread and cereal, nuts, beans and lentils.

High fiber foods are extremely helpful in preventing diabetes and colon cancer. Eating a high-fiber breakfast will give you energy all day and stable blood sugar levels. Diabetes speeds the aging process.

A type"A" personality who is constantly looking for a problem to solve, or a neurotic personality who over-analyzes every situation and has a negative outlook, could age faster than a positive person. Being in charge of your responses to life's stresses makes you stronger and steels your physiology against the heavy toll taken by stress. Develop a good attitude, control your anger and resentment. My aunt once had a huge growth on her nose. It was swollen and red and big as a pencil eraser. She tried to heal it with positive energy and eventually it went away. I asked her what the evil looking bump was, and she replied with one word, "Resentment!" Meditation and positive affirmations are very effective in building a confident and positive demeanor.

Here you are on the threshold of the most fulfilling season of our life and you are able to share it with others through your faith in a system of beliefs that serves us all in every need. Mother didn't take you to Sunday school and church for punishment. She knew that you there would be times when you would need faith and guidance to get through some of life's best and worst times. It is natural for the human mind to wonder about the mysteries of the universe. So many questions cannot be answered, that we need faith in an unseen benevolent force to get through the jungle of troubles. We need to be able to see with our hearts the peace and joy of a spiritual life. We need to believe that others see it too - and that the more we try to know this peace - the closer we come to joy. Whatever religion or premise you believe will give you comfort and support as you age. Most older folks develop a glow of spirituality about them. Proof that it is there if we just accept it. Remember you are a spiritual being, perfect and eternal nestled in the hands of God.

"To sleep, perchance to dream ..." Shakespeare knew that creative energy was renewed and replenished through sleep. Many of history's greatest inventions and ideas were the result of dreams. Dreams are the seeds of all creation. Healing and renewal take place during sleep. It is theorized that without sleep, we would all go mad. I know that when I dream I am 21 years old and have no physical infirmities. Sleeping is good for you on the cellular (maybe atomic) level. Your brain works to maintain your autonomic functions while stress synapses are relaxed and creative ideas flow. Different amounts of sleep are required for each individual, but six hours is the minimum you should aim for. It is apparent to me that I need at least eight hours of sleep and if I sleep too long I feel logy.

People with sleep problems should work them out with professional help if necessary. Here are some good sleeping tips. Relax and stay away from stimulation before going to bed. Wear comfortable clothing to sleep in. Read or meditate to decompress before going to sleep. Avoid heavy meals after 6 pm and don't eat foods high in sugar before bedtime. Keep fresh water near your bed for night-time re-hydration. Go to bed and arise at the same time every day.

If you have lucid dreams or vivid dreams keep a journal by your bed and write down the dreams immediately. A dream journal is a road to discovery.