Secret to healthy aging

We all want to live longer, but we also want to stay active and independent as time goes by. The key to both: giving cellular structures called telomeres a little TLC. Located on the tips of DNA strands, telomeres defend cells against aging and help tissues regenerate and repair. And Danish research reveals keeping telomeres in shape optimizes energy, muscle strength and mobility. While telomeres shorten over time, here's how to keep them long and healthy

- Melissa Gotthardt

Nosh on nuts and seeds

Good news for women who love snacking on almonds, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds: In research conducted at Brigham Young University, people who enjoyed 1 oz. (about a handful) of the crunchy gems daily had telomeres that were substantially longer than those who ate lower amounts. The study authors explain that the beneficial fiber and unsaturated fats found in nuts and seeds reduce the inflammation that's a major cause of telomere shortening over the years.

Kick back with a green tea break