According to a recent study, the happier you are as you age, the longer you will live. Almost 5,000 people aged 60 or over from Singapore were studied, and it appears there is a direct link between happiness and better life outcomes.
The big question is, how happy are you? I hope you are, of course, but if not, I think there are a few golden rules to follow to make sure you lead a long, distinguished, and ultimately happy life. Read on to find out my tips for a life of joy, and feel free to add your own ideas in the comments afterward!
Keep Smiling
BE SOCIABLE
I like to get out and about as much as possible and think I have a reasonably good social life. So, whether you are into going to the pub once or twice a month, or prefer something more relaxing like a museum or cinema visits, make sure you are keeping in touch with friends – as well as your family, of course. Not only does an active social life prevent isolation and loneliness, but you also get to experience new things and make new memories from people that really count.
CONNECT WITH THE YOUNGER GENERATION
Young people and children, especially, can make an old heart young again, even if you need an early night to recover from the sheer exhaustion of trying to keep up! Connect with the younger generations in your family and social circles, and you can keep yourself in tune with the world, engaging your brain, and interacting with new perspectives.
GIVE TO OTHERS
I like to help people whenever possible. While I can’t quite manage the efforts of business people like Kirk Chewning and the fantastic aid worker volunteers that do incredible work around the world I think it’s important to do what you can. Give a little to charity, help a neighbour with their shopping, or just chat with someone who looks like they need an ear. It all helps others, and in turn, helps give you some meaning to your life.
GET PHYSICAL
Keep yourself active if you want to be happy. A good dose of exercise every day is essential for keeping those happy chemicals in your brain firing on all cylinders. Plus of course, when you are feeling fit and healthy, it’s like you can take on the world – and you always feel like you are looking your best.
BE POSITIVE
Finally, it’s easy to be miserable as you get older, and we all experience times when it feels life is throwing you constant difficulties. But if you can turn the other cheek to those that wish to hurt you, and accept failure as a learning experience rather than a devastating blow, it will stand you in good stead. Ask any wellbeing expert, and they will all tell you the same thing – being up for new things, engaging in life, travelling to new places and having a positive outlook is vital for good mental health and a long and happy life.
Any more tips to add? Leave them in the comments section below!
