According to longevity experts, that goal is becoming a reality faster than you might imagine. In fact, the trend toward longevity is making people look at old age in a new way: running a marathon at 80? Why the heck not? Look 30 at 60? Of course you can.

Here is a sampling of newly released books that show you how:

"You Can Be Healthy & Fit after Fifty"
by Steve Fisher, Doctor of Naturopathy
This book takes a no-nonsense approach to living longer and better. Nutrition, supplements, and antioxidants are all covered. But where Dr. Fisher really shines is in his approach to attaining fitness. The book is filled with photos of folks who appear to be in their 30s -- muscular, lean, bursting with vigor. But check the captions, and you'll find they're in their 50s and 60s. This book is simple to read, and a good starting place for those who haven't done much exercise or strength training before; the author provides a complete how-to on strength exercises, and offers tips on how to shake off a fitness plateau. Want to know the ideal training routine? Fisher suggests 40 percent cardio, 40 percent strength and the remainder to flexibility and stretching.

"UltraLongevity"
by Dr. Mark Liponis, M.D.
In a nutshell, this books states that the aging process can be controlled. As medical director of Canyon Ranch and co-author of "UltraPrevention," Dr. Liponis should know. The basic tenants? First, eat less--those who eat 30 percent fewer calories live longer. And exercise rhythmically -- those who do rhythmic exercise, such as dance, walking, rowing or other exercises with an innate rhythm, have better results. Above all, those who love and are loved are the healthiest. This book provides complete menu plans so you can get started on eating that 30 percent less, with each plan providing options for an average daily calorie intake of 1650. How to find your intake needs? Dr. Liponis says "multiply your weight by 11. If you're a regular exerciser, add the number of calories you'd typically burn during exercise."

"You: Staying Young,"
by Michael F. Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D.
Perhaps the current Mother of all Longevity Books, this New York Times bestseller features the renowned Oz -- Oprah's own health expert. This comprehensive book puts forth the idea that a) you can live 35 percent longer, and b) the way to do this is by slowing aging at the cellular level.

How? Well, for starters, by reducing what you eat by one third -- forever. By exercising and taking supplements. By detoxing, using the author's detox plan. And much more. "YOU: Staying Young" also explains the biggest myths on aging, the 14 "major agers," estrogen therapy, sleep hygiene, anger management, meditation, stress relief -- you name it, it's probably covered. As with the author's previous bestseller, "YOU: On a Diet," the book is written in a simple manner, with funny illustrations, sidebars and breakouts that help keep the information fresh.

Sara Wiseman writes on wellness and teaches writing in Salem; her "real age" is 23. Contact her at www.sarawiseman.com.