In the midst of your daily chaos, have you ever thought of living to be 100? According to the Census Bureau, there are currently 80,000 people aged 100 or older in the United States. By 2040 there will be over 7 times that many centenarians – about 580,000. So chances are increasing that you’ll be a triple digit diva (or dude).

So what can you do today that will help you enter your 100’s with vitality and peace of mind? Besides the usual – eating healthy and getting daily physical activity – you can practice being a forward thinker who is open to new experiences.

A survey of 100 American centenarians done by Evercare, a company that coordinates care for senior health, showed that many 100+ year olds are plugged into pop culture. Over a third have watched reality television; over a fourth have watched MTV or music videos, and over six percent have been on the Internet or listened to an iPod. Here’s to Groovin’ Grandparents!

Looks like if you haven’t learned to text, work the DVR, or explored Facebook, now’s your chance. Staying up on the trends and being a part of what’s current keeps your mind active and engaged. Maybe it’s time to start hanging around with your kids. Ask them to teach YOU a thing or two!

EXTRA-Ordinary Ideas

Read It: Early Bird: A Memoir of Premature Retirement by Rodney Rothman
An extremely funny look at a 28 year old who “retires” to Florida.

Do It: Check out Facebook at Facebook.com. Want to connect with some people you haven’t heard from in years? Create your profile and seek them out.

Think It: “Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” ~ Samuel Ullman