The scientific journal Nature offers a new perspective on aging: It's not how long you've been alive that counts, but rather how many years you have left. As life expectancy has lengthened, the whole idea of middle age has shifted, making 40 the new 30 and 50 the new 40. Many people who are nearing retirement age are as vigorous and healthy as middle-aged people were a century ago. And in many ways, people today act younger than their parents did at the same age.

Successful aging requires a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Be social, exercise daily, manage stress, and enjoy a variety of activities that stimulate your brain, such as working crossword puzzles and playing bridge.

Menopause and Sleep

Recurrent hot flashes and night sweats--experienced by about three-fourths of menopausal women--disrupt sleep and may lead to daytime fatigue. The risk of sleep apnea also increases among women over 50. Researchers exploring this respiratory connection have found that "paced respiration," or scheduled breathing at the onset of a hot flash, significantly reduced the frequency of the uncomfortable episodes. Hot flashes are linked to reduced estrogen production and persist on average for five years.

Four Reasons to Forgive

Forgiving others can improve your overall health well-being. Researchers say that study findings highlight the following positive effects of forgiveness:

• Reduced stress. Holding a grudge raises BP and increases sweating.

• Better heart health. Forgiving a betrayal lowers BP and pulse rate, and decreases the heart's workload.

• Stronger relationships. Women able to forgive their spouses resolve conflicts more effectively.

• Reduced pain. Meditation focusing on converting anger to compassion helps relieve pain and anxiety.

Protect the Birds

Windows reflect the outdoor surroundings, and birds don't sense them as barriers. Static cling decals can help break up the reflection to protect the birds and your windows. Planting a small tree or hanging a bird feeder in front of the window are other options. If a bird hits your window and is stunned, put it in a cardboard box with a lid and leave it alone in a warm place. When you hear the bird moving around, take the box outside and open the lid. Don't give the bird any food or water.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Here's some ideas for holiday gifts that your loved ones will appreciate throughout the coming year.

For seniors: Low-vision aids help people enjoy happier, more productive lives. For example, jumbo calculators or remote controls with large number pads are easy to use and hard to lose. An 8 1/2 x 11-inch page magnifier is especially helpful while reading newspapers and full-size magazines. All products are available at Radio Shack stores. For a comprehensive listing of low-vision aid catalogs, visit www.macular.org. Click on "care & services directory" and then "low vision resources."

For her: Made from a patented yarn that wicks away moisture from the skin, a new line of sleepware helps women stay cool and sleep better. The cotton-polyester blend of gowns and separates (available at www.wildbleu.com) are designed to reduce the discomfort and odor of nighttime hot flashes and night sweats commonly experienced by pre- or post-menopausal women, as well as chemotherapy recipients. In the future, the manufacturer hopes to offer sheets and pillowcases made of the soft performance fabric.