Perspectives On Aging
Happiness in the Golden Years
Recently a University of Chicago sociologist completed research that found that as a rule the elderly are happier than younger adults. He came to the conclusion that older people are more content with what they have. This has come as a surprise to many people and has made front-page news in many papers. It is research that confirms the conclusion, as another research on the function of the brain has shown, that as people grow older the processing of positive and pleasurable emotions is enhanced.
We also know that humbleness is a prerequisite for happiness, and as we grow in age, we tend to become more humble. As a result we more easily pleased with what we have achieved and what we have. That humbleness goes parallel with age is not surprising, as it is the result of the wisdom of the ages, when we finally realize that many of the so-called successes in life do not make us happy. Accumulation of riches fills our sanity, but does not make us happier. If anything, it adds worries to our life. Accolades bestowed on us by others are often the result of our ability in making them accept us for what is only our artificial self. Deep inside we know better. So honor and accolades do not increase our sense of wellness.
Now, in our golden years, we have come to accept our true self and realize, that like everybody else, we have both positive and negative attributes. We have also learned not to worry about things we cannot change, so most of us elders leave small worries alone. If all of these things put together are what makes us happy, the sooner a person reaches this level of maturity, the sooner he will enjoy the happiness of the old.
It has been said that for people who feel, life is a tragedy, and for people who think, it is a comedy. We, the elderly, have the ability to combine feeling and thinking, and that makes life a pleasurable adventure worth living.
Dr. Carlos Muniz is a retired psychiatrist from Gainesville. He may be contacted through the editor at editor@towerpublications.com
