By the year 2050, the Census Bureau estimates that almost a million Americans will be 100 years old or older.

How can I live to be 100?

Science still doesn't know whether genes or lifestyle are more important but it's a good idea to pick your parents very carefully. If they lived to be in their nineties, there is a good chance you will as well. But they may also have lived a healthy lifestyle which they passed on to you. Try to be a woman--90% of those who reach 100 or more are women. Lifestyle is the one thing you can control.

Do people live better as well as older?

Yes. There has been a dramatic decrease in disability among older Americans and of those who reach 100, 90% of them report good health until their 90's. This seems to be due to more people practicing a healthy lifestyle plus better medical care.

What should I do about lifestyle?

It's the same old story: diet and exercise. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables that is low in calories and fat. Do some sort of aerobic exercise, like walking, at least three times a weel. Until very recently muscle wasting among the elderly was thought to be inevitable. But then, researchers noticed that old weight lifters retained muscle. So pump that iron, old folks. Taking a multiple vitamin with minerals every day is a good idea. Additional calcium is a plus.

What about my mind?

Your mind and emotions also play a part. Evidence indicates that a positive attitude may ward off Alzheimer's disease and increase longevity. Keep that mind active by doing stimulating mental activities. Research shows that learning or doing new things improves mental function. Try taking up a video gaming, knitting, or brain surgery. There is intriguing research which seems to show that music, in addition to improving cognition for the young, also works for elderly people. Learn to play the bass bassoon or at least listen to music. You can listen to your beloved rock and roll but try to mix in some classical music. Try it; you might like it.