A LIFETIME OF WISDOM.

Byline: Stories by Diana McKeon Charkalis Lifestyle Editor

`Living healthier longer.''

It's become the baby-boomer mantra as that massive group of Americans charges into their 60s. But how do you do it well?

Three Los Angeles authors, all famous in their own rights and realms, have just released books on that very subject, with literally thousands of tips on extending your lifespan.

All assert that diet, exercise and a good attitude have a lot to do with it. But here are some of their most specific -- and easiest -- suggestions to get things started.

And as they each caution, you can't do everything at once. It's all about baby steps, so take it easy!

Diana Charkalis [phone]

[e-mail]

Art Linkletter: Stay inspired

Legendary TV personality and author Art Linkletter is only 93, but he has speaking engagements lined up till he turns 100.

When it comes to longevity, ``The most important single thing is don't die,'' he announces with a chuckle, adding, ``I wake up and look in the obituary column, and if my name isn't there, I eat breakfast.''

In order to spread the good news about aging well, he and Mark Victor Hansen (co-creator of the ``Chicken Soup for the Soul'' series) will release a new book, ``How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life'' (Nelson Books; $24.95) on July 17, Linkletter's 94th birthday. They've combined their wisdom with that of numerous experts to offer aging advice on health, business, sex, money and more.

Linkletter says the book is like ``a big Google, a search engine'' on aging. Hansen adds that their underlying philosophy is that the attainment of longevity is best pursued with enthusiasm.

``People have to be passionate on purpose about things. When you do that, your life becomes very meaningful.''

Here are some of their other insights:

Don't retire: Cultivate a purposeful later life, whether you're pursuing a career, volunteering or working as an activist. Linkletter still loves going to the office each weekday and has no plans to stop. ``We have retired retirement. We call it refirement,'' says Hansen.

Kiss and tell: ``I'm (almost) 94, and as far as sex goes, I can still talk about it for hours,'' Linkletter jokes.

But seriously, the authors are quick to add that the physical benefits of making love are well documented: reduced risk of heart disease, improved immune system and a healthier prostate. The book cites that even just kissing is beneficial -- it lowers the mouth's acidity and can contribute to better dental health. If you need a boudoir boost, they say don't be afraid to talk to your spouse, consult your physician and even find a sex therapist.

Stand on one leg: For those in their 80s and 90s, falls are serious. Studies show the average senior only lives one year after breaking a hip.

Adding balancing exercises to your workout such as standing on one leg and walking heel to toe can help. So can practicing tai chi and yoga. Avoiding potential hazards is also a good idea.

``That's why my wife gave away all my ski gear last year,'' says Linkletter, who began downhill skiing at age 50. ``She said `We've been married 70 years, and I want to be your wife, not your nurse.' ''

Open wide: Nobody likes sitting in the dentist's chair, say Linkletter and Hansen. But there's evidence that scheduled visits can do more than help avoid dentures and implants. Poor oral hygiene has been associated with heart disease and stroke. So dental cleanings every six months are a great way to promote continued health.

Eat red grapes: Why? Because their skins contain resveratrol, an antioxidant touted for deceasing insulin levels, lowering blood pressure and boosting good cholesterol.

But there's more. According to the book, Harvard researchers have also found that the compound may stimulate a class of enzymes that keep cells alive and prolong life span.

Dr. Maoshing Ni: Plan to be 100

Dr. Maoshing Ni asserts that the human body was designed to live 100 years or longer. ``Your body wants to be 100.''

After a brush with death as a child, the 38th-generation doctor of Chinese medicine became determined to pursue health and healing.

``I was in a coma for a month,'' he says. ``And from that experience, I have so much excitement and appreciation for life since I've been given a second chance.''

The author of the new book ``Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100'' (Chronicle; $14.95) is in private practice in Santa Monica and has celebrity fans including Jim Carrey and Helen Hunt. He's a co-founder of the Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles.

His book offers a plethora of easy-to-read tips meant to be absorbed slowly.

``People get overwhelmed easily, so this offers bite-size pieces of information. As long as people are willing to try a little bit at a time, they will feel the benefits.''

Here are some of his favorite suggestions:

Power nap: ``I say sleep your way to 100. Everyone should take a nap. It does help people get a second wind, and it's an easy way to slow down and take in life.''

Dr. Mao asserts that nappers have a 30 percent lower risk for heart disease and stroke, so it pays to work in that nap whenever you can.

``Negotiate with your boss if possible, or just go out and relax in your car for 20 minutes.''

Meditate: ``Most people think meditation is really hard, but you just need to do it a couple of minutes a day.''

Mao says one huge bonus of meditation is you learn how to breath properly and eliminate toxins. ``A few minutes a day can make a difference. Do it before you go into a meeting, or any time you anticipate stress.''

Grow fresh air indoors: Invest in indoor palm trees and ficus plants. ``The dark leafy foliage can purify bad air and can actually absorb VOCs (volatile organic compounds).''

Eat berries: Dark berries are a kidney tonic and great for brain health, Mao says, adding ``Research shows rats that eat blueberries don't get Alzheimer's. Blueberries with all their antioxidants have a neuroprotective property.''

Say ``I love you'': Tell your loved ones how you feel, says Mao. Caring about others does help people live longer, he says, citing a study that showed men whose wives told them they loved them in the morning had a higher rate of returning home without incident and generally lived longer.

``It may sound cheesy, but if we feel loved, we will value our life more and be more careful.''

Dr. Gary Small: Start with your brain

When it comes to living longer, simply slowing down and paying attention is key, says Dr. Gary Small, director of the UCLA Center on Aging and author of newly published ``The Longevity Bible: 8 Essential Strategies for Keeping Your Mind Sharp and Your Body Young,'' (Hyperion; $23.95).

``If you're mindful, you're not going to overeat, you're less likely to injure yourself and you'll be more connected with people you care about,'' says Small.

A doctor who has studied brain health for the past 20 years, Small adds that, ``when you start fixing the brain, the rest follows.''

He offers the following nuggets of wisdom:

Play games: Whether it's chess, cards or crossword puzzles, it's important to ``train but don't strain the brain,'' says Small, meaning that you should find the level of challenge that keeps you interested without frustrating or exhausting you. He says it's never to late to improve your memory and concentration. ``Great memories are made, not born.''

Think positive: Studies show optimists live longer than pessimists, says Small. ``We can learn to be more optimistic, and people can get positive in so many different ways.'' For example, a recent study showed attending a house of worship can increase the average life expectancy by seven years, he says.

Walk daily: A 10- to 15-minute walk each day can significantly reduce your risk for developing Alzheimer's disease and other related illnesses, says Small. ``You don't have to become a triathlete -- start out easy.''

And doing it with a friend or your spouse is an added bonus. ``Socially connected people also live longer.''

Just say no: ``It's a great stress reliever,'' says Small, who explains that people who overcommit often find themselves taking on too much and feeling anxious, resentful and trapped. When it's difficult to refuse someone, he suggests, remember that by saying no to one request, you're saying yes to another, like spending more time with family.

5-minute cleanup: Scientists have found that crowded, cluttered cages make lab animals grumpy. The same thing can happen to humans in a messy house, says Small. ``Clutter is an insidious stress producer in our environment,'' he says. To combat this, take a paper bag and spend a few minutes each day sorting and tossing what has accumulated.''

CAPTION(S):

7 photos

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) ENJOYING THE RIDE

Art Linkletter and others on aging well

(2 -- 3) Age-defying TV icon Art Linkletter, right, shares wisdom about growing older in a new book, ``How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life,'' which he co-wrote with Mark Victor Hansen, left.

(4 -- 5) Dr. Maoshing Ni believes humans could live into the triple-digits.

(6 -- 7) UCLA's Dr. Gary Small says walking can lead to long life.