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Have you ever met someone who was undeniably happy? Even when troubles come, they push through with a smile. Just being around these people can make you feel good. And according to new research, it’s no coincidence that so many of these delightfully happy people are seniors.
Studies on happiness that span across the globe have learned that those in certain countries are happier. For instance, those who live in Finland tend to have a higher level of happiness than those who live in the United States. Much of that is attributed to the vast safety net of social programs in European countries versus what’s available in the U.S. And of course, those who live in war-torn areas show a much lower level of happiness than those who live a safer, more stable life. These things might not be surprising.
But did you know that when it comes to generations, those who have lived longer tend to be much happier than those who are decades younger?
The 2024 results of the World Happiness Report found that seniors and elderly adults in the United States who are over the age of 60 are quite happy – in fact, they have much higher levels of happiness compared to younger people.1
Digging into Happiness
The report found some other interesting points. Here are a few of them:
· Higher levels of well-being can be a strong predictor of lower risk of dementia later in life. The study suggests that staying happy can help prevent dementia and related problems. And if someone already has dementia, doing things to increase their happiness can ease the symptoms.
· In many areas of the world, those who are younger tend to be happier. But in the United States, it’s the seniors who have runaway happiness compared to the younger set.
· The study found that those who were born after 1980 – which would make them in their 40’s – are much less happy than those of other ages. Those who were born before 1965 tend to be happier.
· The United States ranks among the top 10 countries where seniors are quite happy. Even with all the “doom and gloom” they have encountered over the years, they still have an attitude of resilience and positivity that can uplift those around them.
It’s clear that seniors are happier than their younger counterparts. But how do they do it?
Why Seniors are So Happy
It’s important to note that those who have fewer worries are more likely to be happy – and that includes children and seniors. Researchers have been aware of a U-shaped curve for decades, where happiness is at a high among children and then dips dramatically in mid-life, only to rise back up again when someone enters their golden years.
That doesn’t mean that seniors have no worries – on the contrary, they’ve got plenty – but at that point in their lives, they have learned to roll with the punches and focus on the more positive aspects of life.
Besides that, they tend to be more secure in many aspects of life, such as their social connections and finances. Their children are out of the house. They have the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren and revisit those delightful years with a whole new generation. They likely have friends they have known for decades and thus have built deep, lasting relationships. Many have paid off their homes and finished up their working life, so financial stressors are easier to handle. Seniors are now eager for the next chapter.
The journal Psychiatry reports that despite a decline in physical ability, seniors tend to have an uptick in well-being and happiness as they get older. One study determined that the individual wisdom a person gains through their life, including compassion for others and their circumstances, leads to not only better mental health but an increase in longevity.2
Wisdom is gained through experience. Coping with the ups and downs of life can provide strong lessons to carry into the golden years. No matter your age, you can start right now to improve your life and make strides toward better emotional and mental well-being.
Being Proactive for Happiness
Conventional thought would suggest that those who are in poor physical health would have poorer mental health, but that is often not true. There are some clear reasons why this might be.
Even those who are in poor health tend to have the advantage of seeing their doctor regularly and taking medications to keep chronic conditions under control. Simply taking charge of your good health – including using senior alert systems to stay safe and making sure your home is secure – can go a long way toward relieving anxiety and worry, which in turn makes you healthier.
Taking proactive steps to create a better diet and exercise program and engage in social activities can blend with the advancements in healthcare to create a happier life, according to the HSBC Life + Factor Study. The study also found that those who have better mental health can give back to society in more productive and financial ways, which forms a loop that feeds into happiness, over and over again.3
More Ways to Win the Happiness Game
There are other ways that you can find more happiness and contentment in your day-to-day life during your golden years. Here are some tips to make that happen.
· Focus on what you can do. Rather than lament the physical or mental abilities you might have lost to aging, focus on what you have and what you can do with it will help you feel better and live longer. It’s along the lines of a popular rule for better mental health: If it is out of your control, let it go.
· Avoid stress. When someone knows their years are limited, they often make a point of rejecting negativity. This includes anything that might make them stressed, anxious, or upset. Their focus tends to narrow down to only things that make them happy and the people who are most important to them. The sooner you begin to adopt that mindset, the happier you will be as the years go by.
· Keep friends close. Getting regular social interaction helps you feel connected to the world and grounded in who you are. This includes not just hanging out with the grandkids but also being around those your own age who are going through the same sort of struggles you face. These social connections can stave off loneliness and thus improve your mental health. Local senior centers are a great place to meet peers.
· Give back. Volunteering in the community and giving to those less fortunate provides a strong boost of good feelings. Perhaps it’s a reminder of a time when you struggled and got through it to reach a better place. Maybe it’s simply putting a smile on someone’s face. Whatever it is, studies have shown time and time again that giving back to others can create a better life.
· Stay safe. Safety and security go hand-in-hand with mental well-being and good physical health. To that end, make sure your home is secure. Keep your financial accounts close to the vest and check them often for any signs of fraud. Wear a button alarm with fall detection to keep you safe when you are at home or on the go. Clear your home of clutter and get educated on warning signs of health problems. Your peace of mind is a key to staying healthier and happier.
· Keep learning! Those who learn something new every day tend to be much happier than others. This might be as simple as learning an interesting fact about something that intrigues you. It might be as elaborate as choosing to take an online class in something you’ve always had an interest in but never had the time to pursue. As a bonus, the more you stretch your brain to learn new things, the more likely you are to stave off memory problems and other age-related mental decline.
Being actively engaged in every aspect of life can help you live longer. Your limitations might be frustrating sometimes, and you might worry about growing older. Reaching for strong safety nets, such as a network of peers, friends, and family, can help you relieve that anxiety and look forward to what comes next. It can also give you incentive to keep going and to engage in new things with those around you.
It’s tough to stay positive if you’re worried about what might happen. However, that anxiety can be lessened significantly by doing the little things that keep you safe and secure. Visiting your doctor on a routine basis, taking medications as directed, eating healthy and exercising are the best ways to ease the worry about tomorrow. A medical alert necklace, as well as aging in place home modifications, can make your abode a much safer place. This helps prevent serious injury, which in turn keeps you in better physical and mental health.
Start right now by focusing on the positive aspects of life and what is to come. They are called the “golden” years for a reason.
