The pursuit of happiness is a lifelong effort with each journey as original as an individual’s own DNA. Is the chase even consistently possible, especially as the years accumulate and life slows down even more?
So many factors weigh into the happiness quotient including personality, time, place, wealth, and more. A happiness science, however, does exist and attempts to quantify this elusive feeling to understand its very nature.
Fun facts about happiness
Everyone has a set of beliefs and practices that influence feeling happy. Popular culture may drive those beliefs, so let’s explore some commonly held views.
- Does money buy happiness? Maybe. One study suggests yes but only up to about 75,000 then little changes with our happiness quotient.
- Practicing faith and taking part in religious services does lead to more happiness through an indirect path. Faith tends to create a more compassionate soul who tends to support and cultivate emotional health and kindness for others. Helping others does produce more positive feelings.
- Happiness leads to greater civic and social involvement, both of which lead to more happiness.
How to be happy in your 60s and beyond
While no one recipe fits all, it does appear that general practices can lead to a stronger feeling of contentment and happiness, no matter what the age. In fact, our
Here are 3 tips to starting your own happiness journey.
Tip #1: Keep moving
Exercise has long been associated with promoting feelings of well-being and contentment.
A study by the National Institutes of Health concluded a simple fact:
Tip #2: Cultivate an optimistic, positive outlook
If tip #1 lays the foundation, then attitude becomes the structure.
- Be curious, learning new things or trying something completely different
Surround yourself with encouraging people still interested in learning and experiencing new things. Aging itself brings about a new perspective, often the realization that time is finite, and many years are now behind.- Learn to let go, forgive, and look to tomorrow. Resentments and regrets mire thoughts in a past that can’t be changed.
Tip #3: Accept and adapt
Life is about evolution and change. Every morning brings a new day filled with the unknown, perhaps something exciting or disappointing or rewarding. Perhaps something sad or joyful. The key is to recognize that moving forward with courage leads to a different outcome than resignation or regret.
By accepting and adapting to life’s situations, it’s easier to dwell on the possibilities and potential of tomorrow, no matter the age.
Uncovering new ways to think about happiness may just lead to greater independence, both in practical living and in thought.
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Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your health care provider before beginning any new fitness or dietary plan. References provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Should you have any health-related questions, you should contact your health care provider.
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