The
Happiness Factor Why finding happiness is critical to healthy aging
G
etting older can be disheartening, depressing, even scary. Our bodies start to work less well, friends and partners increasingly face health issues, and we start to realize that the road ahead is a lot shorter than it once was. Demographic research suggests, however, that getting older doesn’t have to rob us of our joy. In fact, according to Psychology Today, most happiness studies that compare the relative life satisfaction of generations find a curve that looks like a smile. Younger and older generations tend to be the happiest, with a dip in the middle. A fact sheet from the World Health Organization identifies the differentiating factor that allows people to enjoy their golden years: health. When people feel good, they’re able to pursue their passions, learn new things, support their communities, and make the most of the wisdom they’ve gained from decades of rich experience. While some part of this is genetic, most, according to the WHO, can be attributed to people’s environments. That includes not only the safety and accessibility of their homes and communities, but also their social support network. These contributing factors, the WHO points out, are largely dependent upon circumstance and means. Still, there are steps individuals can take to prolong their happy, healthy years — particularly if they adopt behaviors that improve physical and mental health. A landmark Harvard study that followed a group of students for nearly eight
24 55+ LIFE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2023
decades discovered that certain personal choices reliably predicted a better late-life experience, especially if people started “investing” in their future health while they were still young. Whether we like it or not, following boilerplate health advice like quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, eating whole foods, and taking daily walks can make a world of difference in how it feels to get older. But, the researchers discovered, intangible pursuits can be just as critical. People who continued learning, creating, and living a vibrant social life were much happier as time went on.
Strong second acts Take, for example, Leslie Yolen. After college, she hoped to pursue a career in art. But life presented its own obstacles. After a divorce, a move, and a career change, her goals revolved around simply making ends meet for herself and her son — there’s that difficult midlife dip that’s often reflected in happiness research. Still, a successful career in education empowered her to support her family while still keeping her passions in the picture. First, she worked as a classroom art educator in the Niskayuna Central School District, then later as arts education associate for the New York State Education Department’s Office of Curriculum and Instruction. Yolen is proud of what she accomplished during her time working in the State Education Department, but it was hard work. Dreams of becoming a full-time artist had to wait.
Photos: iStockphoto.com. Kite, skynesher; swing, wundervisuals; meadow, Kemter.
BY REBECCA GATTO