Staying sharp

As we get older, our mental acuity lessens, but just by eating certain foods and staying active, we can keep our brains "younger," according to several studies compiled by the Rush University Medical Center.

Good foods: Vegetables (especially dark, leafy); whole grains; fish (not fried); poultry; nuts and foods such as margarine and salad dressings that contain unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats.

Foods to avoid: High-fat dairy products, fried foods, fatty meats, prepared foods containing trans fats.

Physical activity: Not clear if it helps, but it's good for other reasons since it helps prevent heart disease and cancer.

Mental exercise: One study found that reading books, playing cards, visiting museums and even watching TV reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Here's to hoping we're hopping in our hundreds!