Healthful introspection and meditation may have an impact on how young you are.

Meditation can help you reduce stress, and new research suggests those stress-reduction benefits may mean a longer life. In a study of over 200 older men with either prehypertension or moderately high blood pressure, the men who regularly practiced Transcendental Meditation lowered their risk of heart disease death.

In a recent study, practitioners of Transcendental Meditation experienced significant risk reductions, including a 30 percent reduction in the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a 49 percent reduction in the risk of dying from cancer, and a 23 percent reduction in the risk of dying from any cause over the study's 8-year follow-up period. Transcendental Meditation is a reflective practice that involves focusing on a phrase, or mantra, while allowing thoughts to pass through the mind without dwelling on them. Although more research is needed to confirm the link between meditation and reduced risk of death, studies suggest this particular form of meditation may contribute to longevity. If you have high blood pressure or other chronic health conditions, however, no form of meditation can substitute for following your healthcare provider's advice regarding diet, exercise, and medication.