Anti-aging quiz: Secrets to a longer, healthier life

To ensure your well-being, pay attention not only to your physical health but also to your mental and emotional health. It's true that keeping your body healthy increases your chances of living a long life. But it's also important to stay strong emotionally through connections with your community and your friends and family. Strong relationships with your partner or family can motivate you to take care of yourself — to eat right, exercise and get regular medical care. They can also be an important buffer from the stresses of everyday life.

Unintentional weight loss shouldn't be celebrated — it should be a reason to make an appointment with your doctor. Weight loss without effort — for instance, if you aren't eating healthier or making an effort to exercise more — can be a sign of worsening health. And you don't have to lose a lot of weight to raise red flags. Losing more than 5 percent of your body weight over the course of a year could be a sign of a problem, including:

• Problems with your medications
• Depression and other emotional problems
• Loss of appetite
• Problems with your teeth
• Dementia
• Difficulty eating
• Digestive issues
• Serious health issues with internal organs

Exercising every day or almost every day can significantly reduce your risk of dying prematurely. It can also cut your risk of depression, osteoarthritis, some kinds of cancer and broken bones. Strengthening your leg muscles reduces your risk of falling or needing a wheelchair later in life. You can begin exercising at any age, even if you've never exercised before. If you have health problems or a disability that makes it more difficult to exercise, talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise might be appropriate for you. He or she might refer you to a specialist who can design a workout program for you. If you haven't exercised much in the past, see your doctor before doing anything more vigorous than walking.

Your genes affect only about one-quarter to one-third of the aging process. The rest of the effects of aging can be traced to your lifestyle, environment and chance. For instance, if your father and grandfather both died young of heart attacks, you may be inclined to believe the same fate awaits you. Although you may have a genetic tendency toward heart disease, your diet, exercise, blood pressure control, medications and tobacco use play a significant role in whether you actually develop a heart condition. This means you do have some control over your health as you age.

Your need for sleep remains fairly constant throughout most of your adult life — most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep. However, aging can cause you to sleep less soundly. Between ages 50 and 60, sleep starts to become less restful and insomnia becomes more common. You may get tired earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning. Napping during the day is one way you can make up for sleeping less during the night, but don't sleep so much during the day that you can't sleep at night.

It's never too late to clean up your act. If you quit smoking, for instance, your circulation begins to improve immediately and your lungs go to work repairing damage. After one smoke-free year, your risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease and cancer falls. And if you're overweight, losing a modest 5 percent to 10 percent of your body weight can lower your blood pressure and help prevent type 2 diabetes.

It's a win-win situation. Volunteering keeps you connected to your community and gives you a sense of purpose. Plus, the organization you're volunteering for gets some much-needed help. Studies of older adults reveal those who willingly give to others are healthier, better adjusted and less lonely than those who don't.

There's no magic pill you can take to extend your life. A long life comes from dedication to a healthy lifestyle, complete with lots of fruits and vegetables and frequent exercise. Though many products may claim to have a special formula for anti-aging, it simply isn't true. Don't assume a product that claims to be natural is harmless. If you're still interested in taking a so-called anti-aging product, make sure your doctor knows about your plans. Some herbal formulas contain substances that can interfere with the medications you're taking.

Getting enough sleep is important to staying healthy. Your body uses sleep as a means of rejuvenation, and a short nap during the day is one way to cope with sleep changes as you age. As you get older you may find you sleep less soundly and find it more difficult to stay asleep at night. For that reason, you may find yourself drowsier during the day. A quick power nap — less than an hour — can be a good way to refresh yourself.

Still, daytime drowsiness can be a cause for concern if it becomes excessive. It may signal sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. If your sleepiness worries you, it's a good idea to mention this to your doctor.

Your risk of serious illness depends on your own habits. But, in general, your immune system weakens as you age, making you more susceptible to disease. You may be one of the lucky ones who never has to contend with any serious health problems, but don't gamble with your health. You still need to see your doctor for an annual checkup to make sure you're doing everything you can to stay healthy. Preventive health screenings can help your doctor detect disease early — when it's easiest to treat and least likely to pose a threat to your longevity.