Golden rules for a long life

I’m going to live to be at least 100 years old. That’s because I wear flat shoes and have a dog. I also wash my hands regularly and I smile a lot. I’m married with two kids so that will add another decade or so. Sadly, I don’t like coffee and am a vegetarian so eating cold-water fish is out – that will lose me a few years – but I like playing tennis and squash so it evens out in the end.

Think I’m talking nonsense? Well, not according to Dr David Agus, the doctor who thinks he can make us all live longer by following his golden (oldie) rules to longevity. There are 65 of them, but I do seven of the top 10, so that must stand me in good stead to reach a ripe old age. My grandmother is 96 so genetically I’m predisposed to reaching my 80s or 90s but simply by avoiding heels (they cause inflammation that can raise your lifetime risk of many illnesses, according to Dr Agus) and by laughing a lot (which releases serotonin and endorphins – painkilling happy hormones) I can extend my life.

Dr Agus treated Apple boss Steve Jobs – managing his cancer and giving him an extra seven years – and other billionaires and celebrities, but he believes everyone can live into their 90s by following his rules. Turn to page 24 to find out more – and let me know your secrets to good health and ageing well.