I have just returned from a visit to South Africa to spend time with my mother. At age 87, she is as smart as a whip, a world-class bridge player and still very interested in all aspects of life. Apart from being treated as a 12-year-old, my trip was a special privilege for mother and son. Each time I visit my mother, I leave with a renewed respect for the value of health, happiness and longevity.

This year's visit highlighted the importance of being open to change. My mother is entering the digital age! Typing with one finger on her fancy new laptop, she easily became enamored of the opportunity to communicate with relatives all over the world.

She loves receiving photographs of her great-grandchildren, knows all about Bing and Google, and we now use a webcam for our weekly chats. She is even researching new strategies for playing bridge. Truthfully, I have not seen her this excited in a long time.

Some may think that my mother is the exception rather than the rule — not so! More than half of our "oldest old" (85 years and above) remain independent, connected and embrace life to the fullest. In fact, the data show that even centenarians readily take advantage of the novel technologies available in the 21st century.

In a survey of 100 centenarians, researchers funded by United Health Care uncovered some very interesting — and inspirational — information. More importantly, these adults who have experienced 100 years of life offer a model of health for all of us to follow.

Without exception, those over age 100 value the importance of hard work and many strongly believe in continuing to work beyond age 65. They also place a priority on health and understand good lifestyle choices are the key to longevity. Most of the centenarians slept at least eight hours every night and more than 60 percent meditate or pray daily. Over 75 percent say they eat balanced and nutritionally sound meals, communicate with a relative or friend daily, and remain physically and mentally active.

Virtually every centenarian believes that volunteering is essential — more than 20 percent continue to volunteer. Simultaneously, most of them believe that the current economic recession has made life more difficult than the Great Depression.

A small but significant fraction use computers and have used cell phones to send a text message. Eleven percent use YouTube, 2 percent have used Facebook and 5 percent have used a DVR to record a favorite TV program.

Currently, there are only 84,000 centenarians in the United States. By 2040, this number is expected to increase to almost 600,000. If all these 100-year-olds could be as engaged and independent as those who participated in the United Health Care survey, our country would greatly benefit from their experience and perspective. Sadly, if U.S. health trends persist, this will not be the case.

Currently, 50 percent of 85-year-olds are either physically or mentally dependent. By age 100, 80 percent of adults will be dependent, with a large fraction residing in nursing homes. In the next 20 years, the number of America's "oldest old" will triple, incidence of chronic illness will explode, and obese older Americans will be less likely to be independent.

Whether you are 25, 45 or 65, it is easy to find inspiration in the stories of amazing older Americans. But in order to be healthy and independent at 85 and beyond, it takes work today.

For baby boomers on the cusp of retirement, remember that you can always retire from a job but must never retire from life. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy balanced diet. Health is about an ever-evolving quest for balance — be moderate and stress-free, stay engaged in life and maintain strong relationships. If you face illness, address it immediately and take care when navigating the health system. Become a lifelong learner and take any opportunity to try new things.

The message is simple: Everything you do today will influence the life you will lead. So, take some time to think about what kind of centenarian you hope to be.

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the books, "Breaking the Rules of Aging" and "Dr. David's First Health Book of More Not Less." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.DrDavidHealth.com.

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