BOSTON -- Senior citizens are living longer and healthier than ever before, according to a study released recently.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported that Al Henick likes to fix things. As part of a retirement job-program, the 86-year-old spends some days toiling with trinkets from toasters to lamps.

"The body must be active, and the brain must be active. I read a lot, I talk too much and I work (on) puzzles," Henick said.

New research from Duke University showed that more seniors are staying healthier in mind and body as they age. The survey of 3,500 people over 65 looked at factors such as the ability to carry out daily living, the presence of major illness and the level of social activity.

Between 80 to 90 percent of those between 65 and 75 reported good or excellent health, as did about 60 percent of those over 85.

Those who work with seniors said more are making an effort to keep busy as they age.

"If you're sitting in a chair moping around saying, 'Woe is me,' the pains stay there. And they don't go away. They last longer. But if you're out there staying active, you forget about things like that," Scandinavian Living Center's Joe Carella said.

The study also found that nearly 90 percent of participants were healthy enough to live at home -- including those over 85.

Henick said he has no big secret to his long, healthy life.

"I've probably broken all the rules, and in spite of that, I'm still here," he said.

But, he does have an activity planned for every day. He said he loves visiting with his four great-grandchildren. Henick said that it's his curiosity that electrifies his spirit and brightens each day.

"Will there ever be a period when there is no war? Will they find a cure for cancer? I'd like to live long enough to get the answers to those questions," he said.