The first step in living to 100 is to choose your parents very carefully. If you neglected to do that, then your first step is to construct a family tree. What your ancestors died of, generally speaking, is what will kill you. When you lay your plans for a longevity-promoting lifestyle, the critical diseases and disabilities you'll be countering will be the diseases they suffered from. If my father died of cirrhosis, for example, then I could make a rule for myself that I'll only drink while I'm eating, or only on special days, or I may decide never to drink alcohol at all.

If you don't know all the branches of your family tree, then take as your mortal enemies the most common causes of death in America (or in the country where you live). These are heart disease and cancer. Together heart disease and cancer account for nearly half the deaths in America every year.

The way to deal with heart disease is to follow these six steps: Exercise, because this can reduce your heart risk by as much as one quarter. Eat a healthy diet by filling up on vegetables and fish, and avoiding bad fat and excess calories. Lose some weight because even losing only ten percent is highly beneficial. Get screening tests that can nip trouble in the bud. Don't smoke. If your doctor prescribes medicine, take it faithfully. You probably noticed that many of these steps will also help people avoid stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

There is a large genetic component in cancer, but there is still a lot anyone can do. To avoid almost all lung cancer, the commonest cancer killer, just avoid smoke. To be safer from colon cancer, another major killer, get the disgusting colonoscopy once you're old enough. You probably only need one every ten years. Avoid unnecessary radiation, including excessive sun. Consult with your doctor to deal with particular risks you may face. Get the screening tests that save so many lives. Again, eat a healthy diet high in plant foods and low in processed foods, and particularly avoid processed meats.

The steps that help prevent heart disease also help prevent stroke. (Lowering blood pressure is important to avoid stroke as well.) Avoiding lung cancer by not smoking also helps avoid COPD.

The next leading cause of death is accident. Don't drink and drive, and don't get in the car with someone who does. Wear a seatbelt, and maintain your car. Arrange your kitchen and bathroom, your whole house in fact, with an eye to safety.

These are all ways to avoid

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