There are three types of aging. Aging is quite the paradoxical human condition isn't it? It's essentially a dance between development and decline. The three different kinds of aging are: normal aging, successful (healthy) aging, and unhealthy aging.

Normal aging refers to the common impairments that affect many people such as vision loss, hair loss and the loss of muscle mass. Because people age differently, normal aging encompasses a wide spectrum.

Successful aging is the most beautiful type of aging there is. It is not accompanied by harmful health issues. People who age successfully tend to maintain an active healthy life until death and are said to die of "old age." They do not experience many of the unwanted components of aging.

Unhealthy aging is accompanied by diminishment of health. This is the kind of aging that is defined by illness and other health difficulties.

Believe it or not, we spend our entire lives deciding which way we are going to age. Which one do you choose?

10 Tips ... on Healthy Aging

1. Have one alcoholic drink daily. Yes, it's true. Harvard University just completed a study with 11,000 women. The ones that drank one drink daily had better memory tests and verbal fluency.

2. Restrict Calories. Put a small amount of food on the side of your plate every meal and don't eat it. Researchers have found that restricted calories increase life span.

3. Protect your bones. Women especially should include dairy in their diet for its calcium and Vitamin D. Low fat yogurt supplies beneficial bacteria to support the immune system and a healthy intestine. It also contains calcium and D.

4. Wash your hands. Most communicable health problems are transferred from one person to the next by touching something infected from another person. Books, paper towels, water fountains, chairs and the cart at the grocery store are likely places for bacteria and viruses.

5. Pitch all your antibacterial soaps. Help your body help itself. It's healthy for the body to encounter germs on a regular basis; it keeps the immune system well-conditioned like a track star. The frequent use of antibacterial soaps and gels actually cripples your immune system by not letting it develop its own immunity to the outside world.

6. Monitor your citrus. Beware of grapefruit juice if you are taking medication. Grapefruit juice can interact with medications such as those that lower cholesterol. Calcium-rich orange juice is fabulous for the bones and full of vitamin C and other healthy antioxidants. Try the pulpy orange juice for added fiber.

7. Enjoy your joints. Sometimes, joints are the first thing to go wacky as you age. Don't let your joints turn into creaking doors. It starts with good body posture, which aligns the joints and keeps unnecessary pressure off of them. Slouching puts more pressure on the lower back and the knees. If you are sedentary most of the day, get up frequently and move around, even if it is just for a few moments.

8. Eat your phytonutrients. These are nutrients found in fruits and veggies. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are phytonutrients that are great for healthy eyes. These carotenoids are antioxidants found in the eye lens, retina and pupil. As you age, the amount of these antioxidants decrease; therefore, researchers have found that there is a positive correlation between increased Lutein and Zeaxanthin and eye health. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in green veggies like broccoli, kale, string beans and believe it or not, egg yolks.

9. Act your shoe size. Sore feet can really make your entire body feel awful. A proper shoe size is important. While size is nice, it’s more important to have shoes that fit your feet correctly and comfortably. When home, pick up marbles with your feet to work the inner muscles of your feet. Stand on tip toes and rock to your heels 10-20 times.

10. Don't forget to laugh. Scientists have found that humor can perpetuate actual physiological changes such as enhancing the immune system by increasing T cells, increasing gamma interferon and B cells. It also lowers stress hormones. Find humor in unlikely situations—look in the bushes if you have to. Watch funny movies. Put on some music and watch your two year old granddaughter dance.