Becoming Happier with Age
Becoming Happier with Age
When we think of growing older, there's an inherent fear of what it will bring. This probably happens because we don't know what it's like to be anything but our current age, and all of our experience as a youth has taught us that growing older is not something to look forward to with happiness. Additionally, most adults seem to share the same sentiment, which is that they miss being a child and reminisce about their childhood.
However, various studies have proven the surprising reality that older people are happier than their younger counterparts. Based on the numerous studies released on this subject, people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s had higher life satisfaction scores as compared to people aged between 20 to 59. In fact, amongst seniors, life satisfaction seems to increase with age!
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reports that older people have the lowest levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, and the highest levels of happiness and satisfaction. Meanwhile, people in their 20s and 30s reported having the highest levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Coincidentally, their levels of happiness were low.
There’s also the sheer sense of stability and well-being that someone who has more "life experience" may have over someone who is still young and itching to get started on the journey.
Another study released in the Journal of Consumer Research found that as a person ages, the experiences that bring them happiness change as well. When people are younger, they rely on extraordinary experiences for happiness. However, as they get older, they learn to appreciate the ordinary experiences. As a younger person, it is difficult to place value on mundane activities, but when one realizes that there is an end to it all, they stop taking the same ordinary activities for granted.
George Bernard Shaw had said, "Youth is wasted on the young", but growing older doesn’t mean that one can’t enjoy their life. They may sometimes need some help in learning to enjoy their life.. As the Beatles song goes, “I’ll get by with a little help from my friends”. Only in this case, the caregivers take on that role of a friend.
A caregiver is someone who older people can depend on, as well as someone who can provide specialized care when necessary, such as in medical emergencies. A caregiver may also be trained to be a nurse or medical support professional, along with providing much needed emotional support. Senior citizens require a careful caregiver who can attend to their growing needs as their age renders them in need of help, especially so in cases where their friends and family cannot take care of them.
The age of a person doesn't need to define their quality of life. We can all expect a better quality of life for our future, thanks to the wealth of knowledge and technological advancement that has taken place in our time. A healthy, active, and well-supported person doesn’t need to fear age, as wisdom and the ability to appreciate the gift of life comes along with it.
