BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- People the world over use anti-wrinkle creams and even plastic surgery to try to keep looking young and fresh. But it's hard to fool Mother Nature.

Research on nearly 2,000 elderly Danish twins showed that those who looked younger than their actual age enjoyed better health and a longer life.

Those rated as more youthful had better grip strength and superior mental function to those who looked older than their real age. And a young appearance also translated to a longer life -- even within one set of twins.

The "older-appearing" twin was more likely to die over the course of the seven-year study. When doctors examined the participants' DNA, they found a biological explanation: people who looked younger than average tended to have longer telomeres -- protective caps that keep DNA from getting damaged.

So how can you keep your telomeres young? Sadly there is no short cut -- a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and no smoking are the surest ways to keep your looks, and your life, in good shape.