Get Better with Age.

The U-shape of happiness doesn’t have to bottom-out.

 

“The Happiness Curve,” a term coined by author Jonathan Rauch, describes the decline and subsequent rise of life satisfaction as we age. The lull between ages 40-50 is a temporary downswing due to feeling the effects of time.1

Why This Happens

American women at age 50 are projected to live on average an additional 43.1 more years, and men an additional 37.6, if they exhibit all five “low-risk lifestyle factors” (those being a healthy diet, thirty minutes of physical activity per day, a healthy Body Mass Index, zero smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption).2 This data confirms the age-old adage that it’s never too late to start. Even at age 66, the “full retirement age” considered by Americans, we gain an additional 10-12 years over people with zero healthy lifestyle factors.3

In order to glide through this period with grace, try some of the following:

  • Get Social- Join a fitness facility or social club with Senior activities to meet like-minded people.
  • Attitude Adjustment- Listen to some motivational podcasts to boost your mood or to learn something new while you stroll!
  • Eat Right- 90% of your serotonin receptors live in your gut.1 Create a happiness-boosting meal.
  • Move for Heart Health- Add 30 minutes per day of cardio to protect against heart disease.
  • Manage Stress- Stress can be a silent killer- it’s damaging to both mind and body!
  • Savor Sleep- Sleep routine is crucial for regulating hormones. Try to get your 7-8 hours!

Sources:

  • https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/may/05/happiness-curve-life-gets-better-after-50-jonathan-rauch
  • https://dqydj.com/average-retirement-age-in-the-united-states/
  • https://www.distilledspirits.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.032047.full_.pdf
  • https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gut-feelings-how-food-affects-your-mood-2018120715548