Everyone wants to be happy. Happiness, health, and wealth are reportedly the most common attributes of life that people wish and strive for. Furthermore, studies have found that maintaining a happy attitude may even help you live a longer, happier life!
So, what is the secret to happiness? Discover wisdom from past generations and the science-based research on how to be happy as we age.
You’ve heard it time and time again but staying active is crucial, not only living longer but also staying healthy and happy. Prioritizing movement, even just walking, provides you with countless benefits. This small but mighty accomplishment can help you feel your best and give you something to look forward to each day.
Maintaining a healthy body weight goes far beyond exercise. Eating a whole-food rich diet, watching your drinking, and laying off the tobacco can decrease your risk of depression. Plus, those who kept a stable body weight and prioritized their well-being had less risk for falls and illnesses.
Stress and hardships are inevitable, but the way you cope with the challenges are completely within your control. Studies show that implementing and practicing healthy coping mechanisms, can provide you with a more positive outlook on life. It allows you to bounce back faster from the difficult periods, and even find the silver lining during the hardest of times.
As we know, happiness comes from within. A significant aspect of being happy as we age revolves around brain health. Staying mentally sharp not only promotes healthy aging, but also allows you to keep learning. Continued education and the ability to explore passions is connected to a happier lifestyle.
Finally, the most important aspect is cultivating meaningful, long-term relationships. Older adults who are isolated do have a higher risk for depression. Joining a club, moving to a retirement community, or spending time amongst grandchildren can have a huge benefit on mood, happiness level, and overall well-being.