The DARE Philosophy

"DARE to Be 100" is based on Dr. Bortz's "DARE" philosophy: Diet, Attitude, Renewal and Exercise.

Diet. Regarding diet, Dr. Bortz focuses on variety and activity, likening inactive people to zoo animals: "When you're a zoo animal, you must be carefully fed, but wild animals can eat anything." Through exercise, you can boost your metabolism and help slow the aging process. "The most important step is to stay physically active," says Dr. Bortz.

Attitude. This is a crucial and sometimes overlooked category. "Believe in 100," Bortz challenges. If you want to become a centenarian, you must believe you can. Set goals for your retirement, develop a plan and remain optimistic.
Renewal. "Recharge, keep working and stay in the mainstream," says Dr. Bortz. Remain resilient because "it's not how many times you fall -- because age brings losses -- but how many times you stand up" that's important.

Exercise. The anti-aging benefits of aerobic exercise are clear. However, Dr. Bortz cautions us to be strong, stay loose and stay balanced. "The most important organ in an older person is not the heart or lungs but the legs." Legs are what give a person an active, independent lifestyle.