Betty White turned 96 this year, and claims that her long-term good health is the result of hot dogs and vodka — not necessarily in that order.

Some people's genes are just programmed to defy the odds. But that’s never worth betting on. A smarter bet is that Betty's not afraid of making a politically incorrect joke

You may have a sense of humor, too, but it's essential to make healthy choices if you want to forge a reliably healthy, longer life.

Smart nutrition is essential — including avoiding nitrate- and nitrite-packed processed meats like hot dogs.

But to really live well longer, you have to stir in a healthy exercise routine.

A new study from the University of Buffalo in New York has found that walking, the most common form of physical activity in older women, is especially heart-loving.

And the researchers explain that more is better: "Higher levels of recreational physical activity, including walking, are associated with significantly reduced heart failure risk ..."

So if your days of 5K runs are behind you, don't fret. You can still get heart-healthy benefits with 10,000 steps three or four times weekly — or aim for whatever you can do. (This goes for guys, too.)

Betty's routine: "I have a two-story house and a very bad memory, so I'm up and down those stairs."

In short, establish an exercise routine you can stick with, and skip the hot dogs.