dorling kindersley books

Boost your own antioxidant power. Useful antioxidants are found in our food: vitamins C and E and beta-carotene are found in orange and yellow fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, apricots, and peppers.

Lower free radical damage by cutting your calorie intake. Eating fewer calories increases life span and lowers levels of free radicals in the blood. People who live to 100 have fewer free radicals in their blood at that age than do 70 year olds!

Take regular, gentle exercise. Exercise - not necessarily intense - is the key to a long life. Walking and gardening are fine.

Have regular tests and screening to spot the early signs of the diseases we think of as "old".

Get a dog! An Australian study has shown blood pressure and cholesterol are lower in pet owners.

A glass of wine or a portion of grapes a day is cardio-protective and it's possible that the redder the wine and the redder the grapes, the greater the benefits for your heart.

Keep sociable. Starting some sort of activity or joining a club can accomplish several things. It can take our minds off feeling lonely as we get involved in the enjoyable activity and can actually change our mood