Books suggests spontaneous physical fun

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- A U.S. exercise physiologist and geriatrician advises spontaneous physical fun along with sizzle like dark chocolate, wine or dancing to age effectively.

Dr. John Morley, director of geriatric medicine at St. Louis University, and Sheri Colberg, a professor of exercise science at Old Dominion University, co-authors of "The Science of Staying Young," fidgeting in an office chair to burn calories, walking, working in the garden and going dancing as ways to have spontaneous physical fun.

"We both fervently believe that enjoying life is far more important than adding years, particularly if those additional years are spent in poor health," Morley said in a statement.

The authors suggest:

-- Strive for four servings of fish a week. Enjoy moderate amounts of alcohol -- a drink for women and at most two for men, a day. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

-- Aim for physical exercise for a half hour every day and exercise the brain to keep the mind sharp.

-- Use hormone replacement therapy judiciously.

-- Give up smoking, have blood pressure checked and take prescribed medicine.

-- Take up tai chi to improve balance.