Finding happiness after 60 can be tough. Many of us are struggling to save enough for retirement. Others are dealing with changing social circumstances or a divorce. All of us are discovering that staying in great shape isn’t as easy as it used to be. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that there are still plenty of things that we can do to stay happy and healthy at any age. We just need to commit ourselves to giving our body and mind the attention that they deserve.
What Does Science Have to Say About Finding Happiness After 60?
I recently came across an infographic from Happify that highlights a few of the best ways to stay happy as you get a little older, according to science. If you are not familiar with Happify, I encourage you to check them out. Happify is a website that is dedicated to helping people find happiness at any age. They are somewhat different from other self-help services in that they take a scientific approach to finding happiness.
Here are 5 suggestions from Happify on how to get happier as you age. For more ideas – check out their infographic at the end of this article.
Focus on Your Passions
One of the topics that we talk about frequently on Boomerly is following your passions. Happify points out that, according to Wes Moss, author of “You Can Retire Sooner Than You Think,” older adults are happier when they have at least 3-5 core pursuits. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t let your dreams sit on the back-burner. Start following your passions today!
Get in the Best Shape of Your Life
If there is one thing that can help to improve your health and happiness after 60, it’s exercise. According to Happify, researchers say that regular exercise can help to keep your cells healthy. This, in turn, helps to keep your body and brain working the way that they should be.
Instead of investing in a new flat-screen TV, why not invest in a gym membership instead? Your body and brain will thank you. Plus, the outside world is already in 3D!
Build Strong Social Relationships
At Sixty and Me, our mission is to help women over 60 to build meaningful friendships with people who share their interests. According to Happify, researchers say that older people with strong social networks tend to live longer than people with fewer friends. As they point out, having friends doesn’t only help you to feel less lonely; it may also protect your brain as you get a little older.
Invest in Your Marriage
This is a tough one. It’s absolutely true that not all marriages are meant to last. In addition, there are absolutely times when you are better off by yourself. At the same time, as Happify points out, people who are able to maintain a strong marriage tend to stay happier and healthier for longer.
So, if your happily married, do everything that you can to keep it that way. In addition to receiving your partner’s love, you will also receive the gift of happiness.
Find a Sense of Purpose in Your Life
After reaching your 60th birthday, you have so much to share with the world. Giving back doesn’t have to involve a monetary commitment. Volunteering at a local pet shelter or mentoring young people in your city can be just as valuable as donating money to a global charity.
According to Happify, people who find a sense of purpose tend to live longer than people who do not. In addition, volunteering has been shown to improve the emotional well-being of older people.
Take Action Today to Improve Your Happiness Tomorrow
In the graphic below, Happify has some excellent suggestions on simple things that you can do today to improve your happiness tomorrow. Please take a look at their ideas and join the conversation at the end of this article.
What positive steps are you taking to make sure that you stay happy and healthy in the decades ahead? What did you think of Happify’s advice? Please join the conversation.
