50 ways to live longer

Learn to play the piano One study found that older Americans who took keyboard lessons had increased levels of human growth hormone, which helps to keep you looking and feeling younger.

Learn to meditate It can help to reduce high blood pressure and muscle pain, improve circulation, increase blood flow to the brain and lower levels of stress hormones.

Start making changes now ‘It's harder to claw back lost youth than it is to slow down the changes that come with ageing,' says Professor Kirkwood.

The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. If you're worried, see your GP. For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk