The 60s flower children, hippies, tie dyed shirts, bandanas and free love. The Rolling Stones, Elvis, the Beatles and the notion they would never grow old began to permeate their thinking. Their new way of thinking made their parents shake their heads at a generation who embraced peace and declared to the world that they would stay young forever.

Baby Boomers begin turning 60! These bold, daring trailblazers have given 60 a new look. Clothing, hair dye and vitamins have given the baby boomers an edge - Being 60 today is nothing like when their parents were 60.

This generation of new thinkers began an odyssey to dispel aging.

Down with the establishment is still their mantra today. An overwhelming percentage of Baby Boomers are turning to alternative methods to maintain and improve their health and well-being. Rather than medication, theyve turned to meditation, acupuncture and exercise to keep them in better health.

Keeping Father Time at bay is truly a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle. We are bombarded daily with fumes, smog, and other air contaminants; lots of food causes gastronomical upsets and adds pounds to our physiques and our get-up and go has gotten up and left as our energy level plummets.

There are many components to consider for better health:

One of the healthiest things you can do to easily help your body feel more alive is begin drinking at least 6-10 glasses of filtered water per day. Water helps flush the toxins from your body, relieves most back pains and enhances cognitive abilities. Avoid drinking water with your meals so the digestive process can work more efficiently; try drinking a glass of water before each meal and then after an hour or so, drink another glass or two.

Exercise can prolong your life, aid in preserving your sanity and help you lose unwanted pounds. Resistance type exercise will sculpt your body and contour your muscles so it is a good idea to add weight training several times a week. Walking is a form of aerobic exercise that burns calories, improves your heart function and adds a boost to your attitude. There are many modalities of exercise from which to choose, find several that appeal to you and do them regularly. Just move!

Food is our fuel for our bodies. Consuming pure food in its raw, uncooked state without preservatives or pre-packaging means better nutrition levels for the body. Eating raw or lightly steamed vegetables rather nuked or cooked, maintains the vitamin and nutritional content of food, adds fiber to our diet and helps the body alleviate disease. What about meat and fish? Animal based protein in the diet can be worrisome. Colin Campbell, a Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University and the senior science advisor to the American Institute for Cancer Research, says there is "a strong correlation between dietary protein intake and cancer of the breast, prostate, pancreas and colon."

Many nutritionists believe that 20-25 grams of protein a day is sufficient intake. Did you know that fruits and vegetables can provide protein? Yes, broccoli, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, certain lettuce, cucumbers, celery, along with bananas, peaches, cantaloupe and strawberries contain protein. We can completely satisfy our protein needs with fruits and vegetables. There are eight essential amino acids we need from food and we can get all of them just by eating natures organic gifts.

Getting your zzzzzzs without sleep aids is a desire for millions of people. Many people feel they live in a pressure cooker and stress can takes its toll by disrupting sleep. A few nights of tossing and turning can affect our lives adversely. Over time the lack of good sleep could lead to health challenges. Sleep is the bodys mechanism for restoration and strengthening the immune system. The goal of sleeping is to awake refreshed and revitalized. If you want better sleep you might want to take a warm bath before retiring, limit your exercise routine to the morning, avoid adult beverages and stop watching television from your bed.

There are four natural supplements that can help induce sleep: l-tryptophan, melatonin, valerian or kava. These are recommended by HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D. Dr. Spreen: "If I really needed sleep (and couldn't get it) I'd never do any of the Rx drugs, period, but I would have no problem with proper use of any of those four (my favorite being l-tryptophan for younger ages, tryptophan or melatonin for the older folks)." Dr. Spreen also recommends Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time Tea.

Anti-aging alternative avenues are becoming main stream. Certain Rx drugs have become suspect as many health practitioners claim that most drugs do not heal but rather mask the symptoms and even the FDA has come under scrutiny as drugs are approved, then disapproved when certain information comes to light.

Vitamins and supplements have long been touted as beneficial and their healing powers are legend. Supplementing your diet now with life-saving anti-oxidants will stave off premature aging, boost your immune system and limit free radical damage. What to take? Go to a reputable health food store and speak with their professionals; they will discuss your lifestyle, your needs and help you choose a beginning regimen. Take time to research trusted internet sites that offer information regarding your specific questions.

Life matters.