People often ask me how I still have the stamina to ice skate often at age 95. The answer is simple. I exercise and eat correctly and have a positive attitude.

For one thing, to grow old gracefully you have to keep moving. We move before we are born, and that movement must be continued throughout life. Clearly you will live longer if you exercise. Even laughing is an excellent exercise. There are special exercises for the elderly and the handicapped that can be done right in bed. Currently I am teaching an exercise class for the elderly and a separate class for those in wheelchairs.

It is best to start exercising early in life, the earlier the better. Take ice skating for example. Anyone can skate whether they are 9 or 90. Skating is easier than walking, because when you glide, you don't even have to lift your feet.

Basically you can tighten flabby muscles with contractions and stretching; you can enhance the cardiovascular system; you can correct maladjusted posture and maintain a more youthful figure and appearance—all through exercise.

People eat much too fast, without thought as to what they are eating and without enjoyment and without regard to their health. For example, white bread contains bleached flour. The bleach is a chemical and is not good for you. Whole wheat bread is the bread you should eat. Eating things that contain natural substances (the natural sugar in fruit for example, as opposed to artificial or refined sugar) makes sense for good health. I am living proof.

There are people that seem to be born to be lethargic. When they get sick, they don't understand why. People must be active mentally and physically and must project their mind into their energy expenditure (doing things by rote just isn't enough). Naturally, one's attitude plays an important part in the quality of life as you grow older. Positiveness is critical.

Don't think about getting older. Don't say you can't meet your goals; have faith in yourself. Think young to stay young, eat right, and exercise your mind and body every day. Remember to laugh. An old Japanese "Laughing Ritual" says to laugh heartily 3 times: Once to give thanks for yesterday, once to pray for tomorrow, and once to cleanse the mind and heart.