Posted on 02/18/2008 5:01:02 PM PST by blam
Older People Are Happy: Life Begins At 40 And 50 And 60
ScienceDaily (Feb. 18, 2008) — Growing old is a happier experience than many of us imagine - that’s according to the findings of a study conducted at Queen’s University, Belfast, on behalf of the Changing Ageing Partnership (CAP).
The study, which was conducted by Dr John Garry from Queen’s University, looked at young people’s attitudes to happiness in old age and how these attitudes affect their current health-related behaviour.
Dr Garry said: “We have all heard the saying ‘life begins at forty’. But it seems that many people, particularly young people, actually associate growing old with being miserable, meaning they don’t see any benefit in preserving their health for old age.
“Young people like to enjoy themselves, but this often means behaving in ways that can damage their future health. The harmful effects of alcohol, smoking and poor diet and fitness are well known, but many young people still binge-drink, smoke, avoid eating fruit and vegetables and fail to do regular exercise.
“This study aimed to find out whether this risky behaviour is associated with young people’s estimates of happiness in old age. Are they determined to ‘live it up’ while they are young because they are convinced that as they grow older they will become more and more miserable?
“The research found that, contrary to common belief, old age does not mean a decline in happiness - older people are just as happy as younger people. Whilst many young people associate old age with doom and gloom, this is not the case.
“We also found a strong link between the belief that happiness declines with age and levels of binge drinking by young men. It seems that these young men abuse their bodies through alcohol because, as they see it, there is little point in preserving their health for a miserable old age.
“Perhaps health professionals should consider this in their efforts to tackle binge drinking amongst young men. By addressing their incorrect perception that growing old is a miserable experience, they may be encouraged to drink more responsibly and take better care of their health.”
Archie and Margaret Lindsay, who are celebrating their 44th Valentine’s Day together, say they are perfectly happy in their old age. The couple attend the Newtownabbey Senior Citizens’ Forum. Mr Lindsay said: “I am surprised that so many young people think that getting older means being unhappy. My wife and I are both in our seventies and are as happy now as we were thirty years ago - and I think many of our friends would say the same. In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years!
“It’s important that young people realise that they can still enjoy life as they get older. As long as they make an effort to look after themselves, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t look forward to a happy and fulfilled old age.”
Adapted from materials provided by Queen's University, Belfast.
I’ve always been happy that I don’t have to be 10 again. Or 20. Or 30. Etc.
I’m 53, and the only reason I’m happy is because I don’t have to look at myself every day. Kids see us old guys and they don’t want to look like that. They like being young and good looking. As you age, you realize, “Hey! I don’t have to look at myself, it’s everyone else’s problem!” Of course, mirrors are a lot less fascinating.
This is beautiful: “Moments of Reason”.pps —
Grandchildren make growing old worth it.
The other thing is that you realize that there is so much that just does not matter.
Of course we’re happy ... happy to be alive!!!
Ha ha.
My first child was born wheni was 32.
All my high school classmates have kids that are all grown.
I can sit back and laugh, being content that my young-uns will keep me young and active.
Of course, the trade-off is that I’ll be 50 when they graduate.............
Of course, the alternative is not attractive.
No more periods!!!!!!!! Plus, you can have sex (with your spouse, of course) without worrying about getting pregnant! And when you’re finished playing with the grandkids, you can send them home. There are many good things about getting old.
Same #s here
I’m metal age myself. Gold in my teeth, silver in my hair and lead in my ass.
I’m six months away from the big 50, and I’m looking forward to it!
Every decade has been better than the last by leaps and bounds, so I can’t wait to see what my 50’s have in store for me.
One of the very few advantages of growing old
is that one can reach an age at which he can do
as he damn well pleases within the limits of his
purse.
LAZARUS LONG
hear, hear, baby!
Of course, the trade-off is that I’ll be 50 when they graduate.............
Probably won’t be an issue. My Dad was 50 when I was born and lived to be 97. I never thought about it growing up. He was as active as any other dad.
Confucius say:
at 40, I had no delusions
at 50, I began to see my destiny
at 60, I began to hear the truth and know it as it is
at 70, I began to obtain my hearts desires without error
We see the world, and our place in it
clearer as we get older
And begin to know peace
By better knowing the Source of all Peace
My Christian walk was miserably inept before age 40
and is as thin as tissue paper even now
Live in Peace
Live in Victory
Know that there is also Love in this World
Right,,
I’m 50. The Mrs. is 43.
Our kids are 7 and 2.
We wouldn’t trade our lives with anyone.
Loved your take on this RK!
I feel sorry for my wife and daughters however....
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