Want to be a Centenarian? 10 Steps to Live to 100

Hollywood actress Gloria Stuart passed away recently at the age of 100. Recognized by the current generation as the elder Rose in the movie Titanic, she retired from acting in 1940 only to stage a strong come back several decades later becoming the oldest Academy Award nominee in history.  She joins the ranks of fellow centenarian celebrity actors Bob Hope and George Burns who also had the stamina and energy to keep working well into their 10th decade.

The United States currently has the highest number of centenarians in the world followed by Japan. What's the secret to a long and productive life? Studies have shown that while genes play a role, it's how you live life that matters. 

Want to live to be 100? These ten ways will increase your chances of achieving centenarian status: 

1.     Eat Well – You are what you eat, so follow a Mediterranean type diet, which includes eating lots of raw and unprocessed food like fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating those, including the consumption of whole grains and lean proteins like fish, has been linked to longevity. Most centenarians have also avoided tobacco their entire life and don't drink heavily. 

2.     Remain Physically Active – Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of physical activity every day. It doesn't need to be an intense workout; the goal is simply to move. Regular exercise is a proven way to prevent or delay conditions like osteoporosis and diabetes. 

3.     Stay Lean – A trim waistline is linked to longevity, while carrying extra weight around the mid section increases the risk for heart disease. Centenarians tend to eat well without overeating. 

4.     Head For The Hills – People who live in the country tend to live longer than city folk. They are also more likely to adapt easily to life's events and appreciate simple pleasures and experiences.   

5.     Don't Skimp on Sleep – Getting the recommended amount of sleep at night, consistently, keeps our minds and bodies sharp and lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure and obesity. 

6.     Laugh Often with Friends – Those who have an active social life and connect regularly with a network of friends, family and their community tend to be healthier mentally and physically than those who don't. 

7.     Get Married – Married people tend to eat healthier and exercise more than their single counterparts. 

8.     Keep Your Mind Sharp – Reading, doing crossword puzzles, and staying connected with current events by reading the newspaper keeps our brains functioning. 

9.     Stay Involved – People who live into their 10th decade and beyond continue activities that interest them like playing an instrument, writing poetry, or even take up a new hobby.   

10.  Get Regular Checkups – Most centenarians are relatively healthy and have managed to avoid major threats to their health like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. They are proactive about their health and ask questions. To locate a physician near you, look up symptoms, or research diseases, download the free medical app iTriage or log onto www.iTriageHealth.com. Here's to a long and healthy life!