forever young naturally lifestyle

If you have a demon on your shoulder constantly berating you or telling you that you've blown it, change him into a guardian angel who instead brings you more rational and empowering words.

If you regard growing older as becoming decrepit, uninteresting, and depressed, you are more likely to age prematurely. Indeed, one study found those who had such negative perceptions experienced hearing decline earlier than those who saw aging as a golden time of positive possibilities.

Dare to give a stranger a smile, even if you don't feel full of the joys of spring. Studies suggest even pretending to be happy makes us feel joyful and spreading love makes the world a more positive place for everyone.

Find excuses to lose your inhibitions and play: try tag or dressing up with grandchildren, organize softball or volleyball on the beach, throw a Frisbee in the park, hold a Scrabble party with neighbors.

Natural light increases serotonin in the brain for instant positivity and stress-reduction. Spend a little time often in the sun, aiming for 10–15 minutes' sunbathing without sunscreen before 11a.m. or after 3 p.m.

At the end of every day think on the good things that happened. On bad days look for silver linings. (The gearbox went? At least it didn't happen on the highway. Your heel snapped? Time for a shopping trip.) Give thanks for blessings daily.

Hang on to these thoughts: “I can do anything I choose,” “Today I'll eat well and exercise,” “I'm glad I've reached this age; I now have confidence and experience.”

Knock off early when there's good swell if you're a surfer; spend a day clothes' shopping at the start of the season; catch the matinee of a new show. Pleasure is wrinkle-lightening.

Contemplating death forms part of the world's great religions for a reason: it makes us more positive about living life to the full. One lunchtime, spend time perusing gravestones or sitting in a churchyard in quiet contemplation of the transitory nature of human existence. Before you leave, vow to do something that enhances your life and the lives of those you love.

While we sleep, organs, bones and tissue repair, and emotions and memories shift from an active to a storage part of the brain, essential for long-term memory. Insomnia is a common concern in later life, especially for women. What keeps us awake? Worry and health problems, according to a telephone survey of 1,000 Americans. And hot flashes.