Tips on Staying Young at Any Age

Can you stay young in your 50s, 60s and 70s? Is it really possible to fight the aging process? As the population of seniors in America grows, more and more people will be looking for ways to do just that.

In the past century, the average life expectancy in the United States has increased by 27 years. In fact, there are now about 70,000 people in America who are 100 years of age or older, and that number is expected to rise to nearly 1 million by 2050.

Barbara Morris, a pharmacist and motivational speaker, says that with the right outlook and motivation, it is indeed possible to enjoy at least 25 more years of "the good life."

In her new book, "Put Old on Hold," Morris tells you how to look, act and feel young at any age.

One way, Morris says, is to never tell people how old you are.

"Society attaches enormous significance to chronological age and most people have a stereotypical image of what a person at a specific age should look like, think like, dress like and speak like," Morris writes.

She suggests the following additional tips for living and feeling young.

* Have a clear vision of what you want your life to be like in 25 years. Know how well you want to function, mentally and physically, 25 years down the road. Have a clear vision and make a commitment to achieve it. This commitment will drive the choices you make about how you will live your life.

* Take an inventory of your youthful assets. Monitor and manage how you are changing. Identify and sharpen important youthful attributes such as mental and physical strength and flexibility. Remember, it's much easier to keep what you have than to regain what you lost. Be proud of what you can do.

* Indulge in positive thinking. You are what you say you are, so don't tell yourself you are getting old. Replace negativity with positive affirmations of your plans for improvement.

* Get in control of your health. Work with a traditionally trained doctor, but make sure she or he has expertise in anti-

aging therapies.

* Do not plan to retire. Instead, plan to have the time of your life. Go back to school or start a new business or career. Remember, if you have made your health a priority, you can have a great second life that's better than the first.