A recent UK/Australian study on how people age turned up significant information, namely it is not all in the genes. Genes help and looking at your parents' and grandparents' age span gives some clues, but people today have better medical service.

Living long and living alertly are not the same. Your genes may keep you alive longer, but your life style can not only help but will also make your life more enjoyable. To enjoy your "Golden Years" here are the suggestions of the findings:

Diet: Go Mediterranean: "Try to eat a Mediterranean diet with plenty of fruit and veg, plant oils, whole grains, oily fish, nuts, beans and pulses, limited animal fats and small amounts of low-fat dairy and lean meat. (At Right: Photo from Mediterranean Diet Page. To see more info: Click Here.)

"This has been shown to keep your heart healthy and may also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's," says British Dietetic Association spokesperson Sian Porter.

Do daily stretches: "A daily stretch will improve your flexibility and posture," says fitness expert Gina Hemmings.

"Sit in a chair and bend forwards to stretch your spine, then stand and stretch your arms over your head, out to the side and behind you."

Cut back on salt: Excess salt increases the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Check labels for the salt content, particularly in processed meats, ready meals, savory snacks and biscuits.

Be positive: Research shows that older people who have a positive attitude to aging, and who work with the changes it brings, tend to have better health and live longer than those who see only the negatives. Take up activities in your local area to meet new people.

Age UK supports more than 85 Friendship Centers across England and works with a network of 600 independent forums of older people.

Get sufficient sleep: The right amount of good-quality sleep reduces your risk of depression, lowers inflammation and improves heart health.

To the above I would add one more: Get a participatory hobby: Watching other people play sports is not a hobby. It does not improve you physically, mentally, or "spiritually." Your hobby does not have to be physical. It may include reading, learning a subject, playing bridge, searching your ancestry, or learning a new language. It only has to be something that interests you and keeps your mind alert.

Today you can begin everyone of the above suggestions. For the sake of your own health and happiness, do it!