REALAGE TIP

The Years Ahead: Is Happiness in Your Future?

Getting older really gets a bad rap. It turns out you’ll have a lot to smile about.

That’s because you’ll actually be happier, despite gray hairs or wrinkles. A three-decades-long survey confirms it: Your odds of scoring well on a happiness scale increase about 5 percent every decade.

Return to Full Tip

Add Your Tip

Tips from the RealAge Community MemberTipsIcon

What’s your favorite thing about growing older?

Sort by:

Onggia

3 of 3 people found this helpful.

7/6/2008 6:43:35 PM

There are two main choices in life, to be happy or not to be happy; pick your choice and go for it; either way is a decision not a consequence. Making sure you do not hurt anyone during the process.

Coconut-jam

5 of 5 people found this helpful.

7/2/2008 11:31:50 PM

What's my favourite thing about growing older? Well, I'm in my 50s and knowing that half my workload is over gives me tremendous happiness. What about the remaining workload? Well, they're there to make me grey and wise in later years and keep me healthy. What do I do when I have problems? I'll go look for answers in books, websites, have coffee and talk to friends and at the end of my search, I make my own decision on what to do with my problem. So, the process of looking for answers to problems actually keeps us healthy and fit in every way. Don't fret if you have a problem. They take you out of your small world. Be grateful they came to visit.

jackaroo

1 of 3 people found this helpful.

7/2/2008 5:15:10 PM

I am a female and will soon turn 44. I used to ride motorcucles and gave it up a long time ago. I always thought I was too old to take that hobby again. In Febuary I bought a sport bike and ride it whenever I can. Most of the people I ride with are significantly younger. My tip is never let your age or your gender detour you from something you really want to do. Life is way too short and you never want to say " I wished I would have.......

RodiKenley

0 of 5 people found this helpful.

7/1/2008 8:46:38 PM

I think we feel that getting older is coming fast for us because of war, money problems, stress, people snoring, parents not believing in their children in many ways, using up too many of the earth's materials too fast, endangered species, pollution, too much TV, not having the same rules or even dressing the same whereever you go these days, and other things that didn't 'used to be' , plus: aren't the chances of dieing from cancers, heart attacks and other 'old age' problems, higher now?? We still haven't learned how to get rid of A.L.S or AIDS, either, it seems.

cozy40

4 of 4 people found this helpful.

6/30/2008 6:31:29 AM

I'm 38 with two kids (13/10). I have decided to take time for myself. Last September I started piano lessons after quiting 20 something years ago. Three weeks ago I had my first recital. I loved it. If you keep on saying when the kids finish school- you'll never do something for yourself. I know children come first-but you have to be happy in order to make others happy! I also meditate every morning for at least 15 minutes if not longer to deal with life's surprises. And yes I'm in bed by 11am or earlier. I still need my beauty rest!

Kendoll

2 of 2 people found this helpful.

6/30/2008 5:05:33 AM

I have a brand new, first granddaughter. I give her parents money to go out to dinner and a movie, and then conveniently suggest that I may just as well keep her for the night. I've had her for an overnight every weekend since she was born. The kids love the time off also. Ken

Imran1

1 of 1 people found this helpful.

6/29/2008 9:50:15 PM

Am 68. When not moving, I wrote my recollections. Maybe to make my own autobiography? Or maybe just to read these may make me happy because I have done so many things right. Thank you God. I also wrote several books on management from the books and magazines and encyclopedias I read. I also write tips for a magazine. I enjoy writing for others.I once worked for an oil company and the United Nations in Indonesia.

Imran1

1 of 1 people found this helpful.

6/29/2008 9:32:53 PM

Do something. Pick a thick book on each hand. Stretch your arms and bring them up and down. As many times as you can. Or walk around the house, see anything to be cleaned. Clean them or wash them. Maybe your car need washing. Make yourself useful to others as well as for yourself!

DebbieT

4 of 4 people found this helpful.

6/29/2008 1:35:12 PM

Don't postpone joy! Laundry, dishes, dust can wait - awhile.
Run out and look at rainbows with a child or call one nearby to share it with. Life is so fleeting - enjoy the moment!

barberella

5 of 5 people found this helpful.

6/29/2008 10:21:04 AM

Thinking positive is very important. We send out vibes that correspond with our moods and perspectives....and with the laws of attraction good will naturally tend to bond with good. You attract what you are!!!!

DesperateK...

7 of 7 people found this helpful.

6/28/2008 3:47:51 PM

Don't isolate yourself from any generation. I have found wisdom and truth in conversation with teenagers as well as those my age or older. I am 64. I don't agree a younger spouse makes you feel younger but that because you are younger in spirit & behavior you might attract a younger spouse.
Keep active mentally, physically,spiritually & socially. Stay intuned to your emotions and I too believe in having a I did it or can do it list for days when you feel blue. Repeat those things when you have an occassional blue day. Lastly surround yourself with positive not toxic people.

Alison1604

4 of 4 people found this helpful.

6/28/2008 2:40:36 PM

It took me a long time to realise (Till my late 40s in fact!) that I was "grown up" and as such was allowed to live my life to please myself. I don't mean that I trample on or hurt my loved ones, but that I don't care much what other people outside of my family and friends think of me. I always keep in mind, "Those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter!" It can apply to many situations in life and is most liberating!

jsica

3 of 3 people found this helpful.

6/28/2008 2:34:09 PM

My tip is that I try every day to do something even if I can't breath very well even if it is a half a mile on my tread mill I am a little over weight 20 pounds that is really not a little. I get down but I pick my self up as much as I can

jsica

2 of 2 people found this helpful.

6/28/2008 2:30:32 PM

I am 66 years old (young) I have copd and diabetes I just retired from the resturant business I worked in this buiness for 30 years as a bartender I work very hard I was a single mother of one boy. I don't have musch but I try to take care of myslf to the best of my ablilityI read ever real age tip and it helps

jessiegirl

6 of 6 people found this helpful.

6/28/2008 9:23:10 AM

You fill your life with what fills your mind. See the good in others, enjoy your family and don't take anything for granted. It can change in a heartbeat. Wake up everyday and think of something good before you get out of bed