Mar 21, 2018

How The Elderly Get Meaningfulness and Happiness Right

There’s a stereotype that older people are grumpy and hate everything. You see it on tv and in movies, the elderly neighbour is usually a gruff character who is always complaining.

But research suggests that this might be the furthest thing from the truth. And that there is something we can learn from the elderly about happiness.

Though the elderly may be frail physically and socially isolated, they actually have a lot of insight into what truly makes people happy.

Older people are less distracted, it seems, by the changing world around them.  Rather they are focused on what is important to them. Whether that is family friends, pets. Or even their favourite hobby.

They have a resilience that comes with age and time that many younger people do not have.

Older people are able to maintain purpose and meaning in life even in the face of significant disease and disability, impaired mental and physical functioning and limited participation in activities.

The elderly are less worried about things that might happen. They worry when it happens, and even then they don’t worry. They just deal with it.

Most come from a time where life was not as fast paced, money driven and distracted by technology.

The youth focused culture has taught people that being young is better, and in turn it makes people dread ageing.

Older people, it is found, do not dread getting older. And many do not fear death. Rather, they cherish the time they have left. They want to use it wisely.

Ageing shouldn’t be about the problems that are yet to come, it should focus on a person’s potential.

Dr. Gene D. Cohen, a founding father of geriatric psychiatry “saw not only what ageing is, but what ageing could be; not what we accomplish in spite of aging, but because of ageing.”

Dr. Cohen’s says that people have the potential to see possibility instead of problems.  

Ageing is a catalyst for rich new experiences – and it allows the opportunity to renew passions and reinvent oneself.

At any age, people can open up to new possibilities and add richness to life.

According to Dr. Cohen, creativity can benefit aging by strengthening morale, improving physical health, enriching relationships and establishing a legacy.

So What Can You Learn From the Elderly?

Older people with their years and experiences can really teach others a lot about how they should cherish their time. Some pearls of wisdom that the elderly advice to younger people include;

“When you wake up in the morning and your eyes are open, make the most of your day.”

“Each day you spend, is one day you’ve got less. Spend them wisely.”

“Study as much as possible. You never stop learning, there’s always something else to learn.”

“Stand up for yourself, and don’t be shy.”

“Don’t buy things you cannot afford. Pay your debts.”

“If you do what you love, it shows within yourself.”

“Always look forward, but every once in a while take a look back.”

What do you have to say? Comment, share and like below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Hii, Hope you are doing good. Thank you for sharing this important information with us. We would like to hear more from you.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Helping unpaid carers back into the workforce

There are over a million unpaid carers in Australia. And they are a diverse group! Age, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic circumstances – they hail from all walks of life. They are a spouse or partner, son or daughter, brother or sister, relative or friend, neighbour or stranger; many of whom are themselves affected... Read More

Elderly Woman Killed When Struck By Car in Driveway

Freda Kennewell has tragically died in the driveway of her own home after being accidentally run over by her own husband. Her husband, Graham, was unaware that Freda was behind the car when he reversed his car out of their Barossa Valley home. The accident happened a little before 6:30pm on Saturday. Neighbours rushed to help... Read More

Older veterans receive royal treatment from King Charles’ Guard

A video of a British troop uncharacteristically repositioning for a photo with two older veterans has taken over the internet. Read More
Advertisement