Get Old, Get Happy

The topic of "Older But Happier" seems to be in the news, lately. It appears
to have replaced the time-worn adage, "Older But Wiser." Happiness really
does come with age, researchers at the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Measures of happiness steadily climbed among study participants into their
mid-60s, with people in their 80s tending to be happier than people under 40.

"With age comes happiness,'' writes U. of C. assistant professor of sociology
Yang Yang in the April issue of American Sociological Review. Among the
possible reasons: increasing job satisfaction and more settled personal lives.
Although older people may have more health problems ( arthritis, heart issues,
and cancer) they tend to be more emotionally balanced, due to being taught
by "life experiences." Fewer youth-related issues (raising children, paying
for college, broken hearts,) increased the level of satisfaction. Married
people and those with college degrees appear to be happier in "old age."
Older adults take more financial risks, which "lights up the same parts
of the brain as sexy photographs," according to studies by Stanford university.

Cognitive decline strikes 33% of Seniors, reports a new study by the National
Institute on Aging. 22% of those over 71 have mild impairment, added to
16% suffering dementia, the Washington Post reports.
An Alzheimer's Association report out today estimates that 1 in 8
baby boomers will have the disease in their lifetime.

Are Baby Boomers happy? Well, surveyed boomers reported that their failures
to achieve many high expectations often led to much unhappiness. But,
ability to travel is very high on the list for many older persons. Mobility and the freedom to visit places high on their "Bucket List" is a priority. So, get away and "BE HAPPY!"

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