Health briefs: Long-life study

Want to live to a ripe old age? Research suggests life choices might not be the crucial factor in determining whether you make it to 95; it finds many extremely old people appear to have been as bad as anyone at indulging in poor habits. Don't take this as an excuse to blow off the gym and enjoy a steak dinner. Your lifestyle matters. But genes seem to provide a boost to those who end up living longest, said Dr. Jill P. Crandall, a professor of clinical medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and co-author of a longevity study: "The genetic component that allows people to survive into extreme old age is probably a very powerful one."

Lens care tips

When it comes to soft contact lenses, rubbing and rinsing before soaking overnight is the best way to remove germs and prevent eye infection, according to new research. In the study, published in the August issue of Optometry and Vision Science, the researchers noted this holds true even when using a "no-rub" disinfection solution.