It doesn't take much nowadays to reach 100 since life expectancy is growing so much. However several things help.

It would help if you were brought up in Britain during the World War II, which would make you about 75 now. That generation who were youngsters in those years was subject to rationing. This meant that you could not have a great deal of meat, butter or sugar and, moreover, what you did get were in the correct proportions for health. There was a great reliance on vegetables, thus providing all the right vitamins, and every child was given Rose-Hip Syrup in school to protect their health. Furthermore, since there was no gasoline people got around by bicycle or walking and that training gave rise to a wonderful set of Olympic athletes in the 70s.

Secondly it would help if you were already old. Your life expectancy is much greater when you are in your 70s and 80s than if you were in your 30s. After all, you're nearly there and have already survived a whole bunch of accidents and illnesses that could have taken you away earlier.

Thirdly, it would help if you understood the phrase: "Use it or lose it."

If you want to be able to walk and run at age 100, then you better do the same now. Walking assists all parts of your physical being from relaxing stress, exerting muscles and bones to a little useful stress thereby strengthening them.

Furthermore, don't forget your mind. If you want to be alert and capable of writing a good article or holding a meaningful conversation at 100, then you had better exercise your mind just as I have mentioned exercising your body. Don't retire. Have a meaningful profession, which demands an output. Writing does that.

There are many other ways to staying mentally alive. Do a crossword each day. Limit your exposure to mind-numbing television. Argue with your wife and that keeps her alert as well.

Fourthly, it would help if you had good parents who lived to a ripe old age. Not that you can do anything about it now except to remember that a ripe old age' had no connotation of wrinkled fruit. Think about it.

Finally, as in my case you could start a whole new adventure start a new family. My first children are now in the forties. My twins that I care for each day are just 15 months old. There is nothing like cleaning, feeding and playing with a 15-month old to remind you of your youth.

Learn more about this author, John Graham.
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