1. Genetic Inheritance is a major factor in determining one's aging potential. Family case histories confirm that individuals inherit a predisposition to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis. The key word here is "predispose". Heredity only increases one's odds, and preventive health measures reduce those odds.

2. Physical Activity is an equally important age-regulator. Aerobic exercise maintains the cardiovas-cular system, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances coordination. Exercise lays the foundation for an active lifestyle. In fact, many of the common aches and pains attributed to "aging" are the result of inactivity.

3. Mental Stimulation keeps the mind alert, aids in problem-solving, and improves learning skills. So be sure to exercise your mind by enrolling in a course, learning another language, reading a good book, solving a crossword puzzle, or engaging in a stimulating debate or lively discussion. You will notice the difference.

4. Dietary Habits are one of the best ways to combat premature aging and ward-off disease. If you feel tired, run-down, or just plain unenthusiastic, you're not alone. Many adults feel that way because of faulty dietary habits. Food is energy. Get what you need. Don't skip meals. Learn about healthy diets, vitamins, and minerals.

5. A Meaningful Life, sometimes called a sense of purpose, can inspire you to get up, dressed, and out each day. Setting goals and pursuing them is a great way to keep a focus on, and interest in, the world around you. That focus helps keep the boredom of retirement at bay. Productive outlets raise self-esteem and reduce irritability.

6. Preventive Healthcare is a great age-regulator. Be sure to get regular check-ups in order to catch problems early-on. Don't just assume that any ache, pain, or medical problem is the result of aging. Check it out.

IF aging is more than meets the eye, then some changes are in order. And changing the way we calculate a person's "age" is the place to start. When you think about it, the number of years lived (one's Chronological Age) is a poor estimate of a person's real potential.

What can age, alone, tell you about a person's potential for holding a job, driving a car, applying to college, starting a new business, or anything for that matter. For example, we've all seen the vigorous 70 year old, like a mountain climber or distance runner. And, we've no doubt witnessed the 55 year-old who is "falling apart".

That's why a single statistic, like chronological age, isn't very telling. Do 80 birthdays make a person 80 years old? What about health, activity level, and coping skills? A more accurate picture of Age considers the many types of aging, like the types below.

• Chronological Age
  refers to the number of years lived.
  It is a count of the number of birthdays celebrated.
• Anatomical Age
  refers to the status of one's physical health:
  strength, endurance, coordination, vital signs.
• Social Age
  refers to the activity level engaged in on a day-to-day basis:
  work, family, recreation, and volunteer.
• Emotional Age
  refers to the ability to cope:
  handle trauma, reduce stress, manage conflict, and adapt to change.