Older People Are 'Happier Than They Have Ever Been', Research Suggests
Bring on retirement.
PA
Forget worrying about old age because new research suggests we’ll all be having the time of our lives once those grey hairs take hold.
Almost two thirds of older people claim they are “happier than they have ever been”, a new poll suggests.
The Royal Voluntary Service said that 63% of people over the age of 70 feel more content than at any other point in their lives.
And half claim they are in the prime of their life.
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Marlene Ford via Getty Images
Worrying less, having more time for personal activities and no longer caring what people think are some of the things highlighted as a benefit of growing older by the 1,500 British adults questioned by the charity.
The survey, released to highlight the charity’s GrandFest event, which will celebrate older people and their craft skills in June, also quizzed older people about the key to keeping happy in older age.
Mental exercises, regular physical exercise and seeing friends and family were some of the top tips cited by those questioned.
“It’s heartening to find out so many people say life gets better as you age,” said David McCullough, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service.
“Those flourishing in older age are the ones keeping active and engaged and continuing to enjoy their hobbies.
“Older people can teach us a lot – not just about how to age well but also by passing on their skills. GrandFest, now in its third year, is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill or hobby from the original makers.”
10 Tips For Happiness in 2017
Work (01 of10)
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"Work makes you happier. It provides routine, structure and self-worth. Make sure you are in a job you enjoy. If you are not, make finding one that you do a priority for this year."
Independence(02 of10)
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"Personal control in work makes you happier; there is better life satisfaction for those earning less but in control of their working practice than those who are richer but have less control."
Relationships and Friendships(03 of10)
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"Those with close relationships are happiest – try to see friends and family more in the New Year. Research shows the closer people live to their friends, the happier they are – make new friends close to where you live. Get to know your neighbours better, try joining sports groups or taking up a hobby close to your home."
Play to your strengths(04 of10)
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"Identifying your strengths and focus on developing these, either in work or a hobby. This will encourage you to become immersed in what you do and find life more gratifying."
Altruism(05 of10)
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"Altruism is proven to help focus beyond ourselves and enable us to be more connected with the world around us. In 2015, find local charities, sports clubs or community organisations where you can donate your time - you might even start new friendships with local people."
Focus on the positives(06 of10)
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"Improving happiness levels can depend on how we focus our attention – being attentive and focusing on one positive task helps us to enjoy the moment."
Positive Memory(07 of10)
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"Those who are happier remember bad events in a more positive light – it is possible to focus on particular aspects of a memory to notice the positives more than negatives."
Gratitude Diary(08 of10)
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"You can retrain your mind to focus on the good things that happen rather than the bad. Stop taking your blessings for granted by keeping a gratitude diary. Every day for 6 weeks jot down 5 things that happened that day for which you are grateful."
Meditate(09 of10)
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"Regular meditation can help with positive mental health."
Say ‘Thank You’(10 of10)
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"Expressing your gratitude for someone’s actions is the single most effective exercise in positive psychology. Saying thank you to even small acts and gestures will help improve gratitude levels."