Secrets of the 'Super-agers'

The world's longest-lived people are found in five key regions called Blue Zones. And you're 10 times more likely to stay healthy, happy and independent long past your 100th birthday if you adopt their smart habits.

- BRENDA KEARNS

Reverse stress by saying yes to rest days

Instead of trying to spread out your “me time” evenly over the whole week, focus on one special day and carve out as much time as possible to relax and pamper yourself. That’s what folks in the Blue Zone of Loma Linda, California, do, and a study in Biomedicines suggests weekly R&R could add up to 10 years to your life. A day filled with contentment produces a longlasting drop in your body’s production of the tissue-aging stress hormone cortisol.

OR SET A SMALL GOAL

Start each day by choosing a small, upbeat task to accomplish (like sending a cheery message to a friend), and you’ll cut your risk of premature aging in half, Harvard research suggests. Experts found that waking up with a sense of purpose quashes cortisol release.

Prayer keeps you young!