Get off the couch to live a longer life and see why it’s OK to risk it all in the pursuit of passion. It’s all about mind over matter.

One of the world’s most respected experts on longevity and brain health says there are some simple, easy things we can all do to keep our minds young and sharp. Dr. Paul Nussbaum‘s latest book, “Save Your Brain: The Five Things You Must Do to Keep Your Mind Young and Sharp,” lays out the plan you can follow to live a more fulfilling future — and explains why it’s so important to have friends, eat well and exercising and even pray.

“Do what you love and the money will come.” It’s an old saying that’s proven true — at least for artist Sandhi Schimmel. After climbing the career ladder and becoming a successful corporate executive, Schimmel gave it all up to pursue her true passion. So what exactly does she do? Schimmel makes art out of something most of us throw away: junk mail.

Jennifer Field was 17 when a car accident left her comatose and severely brain injured. Few expected her to survive. But she did. Fewer expected any kind of recovery. And it HAS been a battle. Step by agonizing step, for nearly 20 years. Now, she travels the country, performing a one-woman show, re-living her story so that others who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries never lose hope.

When you hear that famous line, “Now, wait a minute. You make me wanna Shout,” chances are you instantly picture a toga-wearing John Belushi and the rest of the Delta brothers partying in the 1978 classic “Animal House.” Dewayne Jessie took the part of the leader of the fictitious band, Otis Day and The Knights, and after the film’s release, demand for the band was so great that Dewayne “became” Otis Day and is still performing to this day.

She didn’t start writing until the age of 81 — but now she’s a published author who’s getting rave reviews! She may be a novelist, but Eugenia Lovett West‘s real life story is a page-turner, too. This “queen” of the murder mystery admits that she considered hiding her age, but after realizing that her story could be an inspiration, she loudly and proudly announces that it is possible to start a new career, even in your mid-80s!