"Will you still need mewhen I'm sixty-four," wondered the Beatles. They sang of a simple life of doing the gardening and knitting sweaters, but weren't sure if they'd be wanted at that age. Are sixty-five year olds today any more certain about their place in society? Is it better being older? And the most pertinent question of all, can one feel young at sixty-five?

According to national statistics "Americans turning 65 this year can expect to live, on average, until they are 83." So, you've got a lot of years ahead of you. It won't all be easy sailing. Here are five tips to sustain your lifestyle once you hit sixty-five:

1. Eat healthy: Your health is your choice. By choosing to take control of what you eat and how you eat it you can choose to lengthen your life. Consult your nutritionist now about creating a special diet for you.

2. Exercise: Twenty minutes a day of the lightest exercise - just a walk around the block - can alter the level of your health and add years to your life.

3. Be social: Human beings are social animals. Life after sixty-five may mean the loss of some social contacts, especially those associated with the workplace, but you should quickly replace those with new friends. Your social life is your key to a long and happy life.

4. Have a hobby: Before your retirement you had a reason to get out of bed. You had your job. Now's the time to replace your job with a hobby that demands that you get out of bed and perform a duty each day. You'll feel as alive and useful as ever.

5. Laugh a lot: Rent a comedy, cuddle up on the sofa with family and friends, and just laugh. A laugh a day keeps the doctor away!