The Surprising Science Behind Increasing Happiness in Later Life
You can be more joyful as we age. Contrary to what some may think, data shows that happiness is high for young adults, then bottoms in late forties only to increase as we age. Positive changes in personality result from more emotional stability, conscientious and agreeableness (except for those who bellow, “keep off my lawn”). People accept that they are not going to be famous or wildly successful. The care less about excitement and more about finding things they enjoy.
Even our close relatives, primates, experience cheerier behavior as they age. Our neural chemistry helps sustain relationships, generosity and religiosity. The release of oxytocin in our brains reduces stress and is associated with greater life satisfaction. So, to take part in this consider these suggestions.
- Surf your second wave of success. When one door closes another opens. Just don’t stare at the closed door while the new one is open of you. Look around. The second one could be much better. Fluid intelligence which helps young adults innovate peaks in our late 30s. A second intelligence, crystallized intelligence, enables older adults too use knowledge they acquired to see patterns and educate others on the intricacies of complex systems. Don’t assume that at this stage in life because fluid intelligence wanes, you may be able to stand out with your knowledge and experience. Avoid negative stereotyping of yourself. What you think is what you may become. Maybe that second chance could be helping others along where you had trod.
- Work like the younger generations. Some may think Gen Zers and Millennials don’t work as hard as older generations. This is definitely a change in mindset. Younger people are more likely to change jobs, even multiple times, to support their passion. They demand more flexibility from employers in work hours and location so maybe older workers can benefit from that also. A portfolio career might be good for some with diversity in your jobs to acquire different skill sets. Gig work can be worth a try. If you don’t like a job, don’t stay.
- Rodney Dangerfield. One benefit of an older adult is they tend to have more freedom. Go back to school or take a course or two to learn something new. You might earn some respect. Cognitive agility can increase and help you be sharp for years. The happiest adults are those who don’t just do leisure activities everyday but challenge themselves mentally and maybe even find that they had hidden talents such as creativity in music or art. Local universities often make classes available for free or at a low cost for seniors. Meet new friends who may be much younger. Rethink things, reset priorities, and just learn.
- Don’t forget your soul. “Practice gratitude for what you have. This is motivating, alters brain chemistry toward more positive emotions, and oils the pleasure circuits of the brain,” says Daniel Levitin, PhD at McGill University. It can be great or small. Appreciate a sunrise or sunset, listening to frogs croak, or make a monetary gift to your favorite charity in recognition of what they have done. Gratitude may help you through a major setback in your life. Don’t be stuck, look for a way to get unstuck and find light or love or whatever you are looking for. You were put here to do things
From an article by Louisa Kamps, August 2024 Oprah Daily