If you are an unhappy senior, there is hope.
About 1 in 4 adults who are 60 and older and who struggle with their well-being are able to regain “optimal wellness” within three years, according to a recent study from the University of Toronto.
As part of the study, researchers looked at more than 8,000 adults whose well-being was not optimal. The researchers followed up with them after three years, at which point all were at least age 60.
Nearly one-quarter of respondents had achieved optimal well-being by the end of the study period. Several lifestyle choices helped these seniors climb out of the hole to achieve happiness. They include:
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Improving sleep
- Having access to emotional and social support
- Refraining from smoking
- Preventing or managing chronic illnesses
Seniors who reported at least some signs of psychological and emotional well-being at the beginning of the study were almost five times more likely to achieve optimal well-being than those who initially showed no such signs.
In addition, those who were under age 70, married and earning incomes in excess of the poverty line were more likely to achieve optimal well-being.
The study authors defined optimal well-being as “having adequate social support, high levels of older adults’ subjective perception of their aging process, physical health, mental health, happiness and life satisfaction and being free of limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), disabling pain or discomfort, severe mental illness or cognitive decline in the preceding year.”
ADLs are routine personal care tasks, such as bathing, eating, dressing and using the bathroom. IADLs are tasks that require more advanced skills and include preparing meals, paying bills, chores and budgeting.
In a summary of the study findings, first author Mabel Ho — a doctoral graduate at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and the Institute of Life Course and Aging — says:
“What’s powerful about this research is the reminder that later life can still be fulfilling, even after difficult periods. Good health is important, but so are the people, meaning, and joy we have in our lives.”
The study authors note that they examined the well-being of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, all of whom have access to publicly funded health care. They suggested that their findings might not apply to countries where medical care is linked to the ability to pay for it.
They also said the findings might not apply to people in low- to middle-income nations.
Learn about the habits that people say make them feel great in “12 Habits Happy People Use to Make Life Better.”
Add a Comment