It is probably true to say that none of us wants to get old though, as yet at least, no one has found a way to stop the passage of time. We all, however, can help ourselves to slow down the aging process so that, while we may be of a greater age, we maintain our physical and mental selves at levels much below the years.

A great part of the aging process is in the mind and it is there that everyone must start if they want to slow down the body clock.

It used to be that at sixty years of age most people were considered over the hill and anyone of eighty was revered as exceptional. Nowadays, in the Western world at any rate, people of eighty or more are quite commonplace and, what is more, they are often very active traveling, driving cars and participating in all kinds of other activities. The common factor amongst such people is their positive state of mind. They do not think themselves old and refuse to give in to the passing years. And this is probably the key to all the rest. It will not matter how much exercise you do or how you control your diet if, underlying it all, is a belief that you are getting old.

But what package of things can each individual undertake that will build on the positive attitude and the belief in staying young?

The first thing is to create a belief in oneself and this can be achieved by the very simple expedient of repeating a daily mantra. For example "I am young and I like myself" or "I will not feel old" will help to develop that positive approach to your life. Pick your own phrase so that you feel comfortable with it and, in quiet moments, repeat it to yourself often.

Secondly, stop doing those things that everyone knows are bad for you and unhealthy. Top of this list would be smoking and the use of drugs of any kind. A glass of wine a day is considered useful in preventing heart attacks but show moderation in the consumption of alcohol. Avoid too much high fat junk food and be sure to get the daily recommended intake of vegetables and grains. Do not, however, set up a regimen of diet that is so boring or bland that eating becomes a chore. Meal times should be times to relax and to enjoy what is put before you. Make it part of your daily routine of positiveness, to create meals that are high energy, healthy and above all tasty.

Relaxation is a key to slowing down the aging process. Stress, whether physical or emotional is a killer and can take years off your life. Develop a daily routine that allows you time to simply do nothing but relax. Those of you who practice yoga will know the methods for relaxing and, indeed, this is a prime requirement for the practitioners of these exercises. For others, you must learn how to clear your minds of the debris of the day and be able to let your mind drift unencumbered by worries and concerns that can create tension. Learning to breathe properly is a key to this and long, slow and deep breathing is important if you are to achieve the state of full relaxation.

Allow yourself at least two occasions every day when you can be alone and relax. Just ten minutes at a time will help enormously so this is as possible for those at work as it is for others at home. When your mind is free of its clutter, let your creative side take over and give your imagination free rein to set goals for the future. Not goals such as earning more money, or buying a bigger house or car but goals as to what you want to be doing in ten, twenty, thirty and more years.

Set yourself a regular exercise routine. As with your diet, select exercise that you enjoy. It could be cycling, jogging, walking, tennis or anything else you might prefer. Do not overdo things whatever you choose and build up from small beginnings. Each morning and evening give yourself a few minutes - say ten - to stretch and to do some light aerobic exercise in addition to other forms of exercise. At first, this may all seem like a chore but it will not be long before it becomes second nature and you feel bad when you don't do it.

Do not allow your life to become a long boring routine when you know exactly what you will be doing at any given time on any given day. Look for new things to do, to discover, to explore and to share. Keep a journal with all the positive and new things that you achieve each day.

Do your very best to avoid conflict in your every day life. Wake each morning and think about all the good and positive things in your life. It might be your spouse, your children, the view from your bedroom window, a sunrise or just the thought of spending time with someone you really care for. Let those kinds of things be your standard and refer back to them if conflict beckons. Road rage or anger at someone who has done something you didn't like might seem like a release at the time but, ultimately, they create stress and stress shortens life. It never prolongs life or stops aging. Walk away and smile.

Age is a state of mind and you have the power to slow down the aging process without having to do very much more than thinking positively. Follow the tips and suggestions here and, like the Queen Mother in England, you too could live to celebrate your century and more.