“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

– Mahatma Gandhi, pacifist leader of Indian independence movement

Image from Flickr by digitalmoneyworld.

How long do you expect to live? These days, life expectancy is going up a good bit due to new advances in medicine.

Another, perhaps more important, question to consider is how long do you expect to live in excellent, good or even modestly good health?

Exercise:

About 70% of our current health status is within our control, and about 30% is genetic. Consider the following exercises as sources of gold for a longer and healthier life:

1. Get an initial health check-up or physical from a well-regarded medical professional.

2. Evaluate your exercise, nutrition and lifestyle optimization strategies as a few first steps toward a more vibrant and healthier life.

3. Explore any of the following books and resources as you embark on this journey:

Younger Next Year: Turn Back Your Biological Clock, by Dr. Henry S. Lodge and Christopher Crowley

Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength, by Bill Phillips and Michael D’Orso

The RealAge Test (www.doctoroz.com/realage)

Dr. Andrew Weil, the former surgeon general of the United States, has amassed a wealth of information on health at www.drweil.com.

I am a big fan of the website half.com to find gently used books at a hefty discount.