I just read a headline that said ................
More people in their 60s and 70s report being happy than do those in their 40s, according to a recent survey conducted of 21,000 people in 21 countries, spanning four age groups from 40 to 80.
What do you think? I'm in my 50's (and happy!) and hope my 60's and 70's will be be happy.
2007-08-24 04:01:21 · 14 answers · asked by Miz D 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
I am 70, and I can identify with that. Whereas most people when they turn 65 or so, retire, I have not. In fact I have two jobs. I work 40 plus hours as an industrial supply salesman and on the week ends I am an announcer for a small radio station.
I think my wife and I are happier because most of our lives, is behind us. We savor each new day knowing that we might not have many more. We stop to smell the roses, so to speak. The kids are married and have kids of their own, and what a joy it is to see how well they are turning out.
God is very real to us, and a part of our daily lives. Without Him, life would not be nearly so good.
2007-08-24 04:43:00 · answer #1 · answered by loufedalis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How many times have you heard or said "I love my grandchildren to death. but when they leave, they are someone else's responsibility", or "It's my job to love my grandchildren and the parent's job to discipline them". This is the mindset of the 60 plus generation. It is our job to be in the moment and enjoy. We have done all the other things that make life difficult and stressful and now when the door is closed on another day, it's someone else's responsibility. It's not being selfish. It's just a matter of reaping the rewards of a life well spent. If it means raising hell, or just relaxing with a good book, having a productive day, or doing absolutely nothing at all, spending last the moments with a life long friend, or meeting a friend for the very first time, this is a time for great reward.
2007-08-26 10:42:30 · answer #2 · answered by roman_eagle_45 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think that we have been through the crap before, and when presented with it again, we know it will pass...so we are less stressed out about things. Many of us have some kind of financial security ( not rich, just can pay the bills) and that leads to a lot of happiness (I have never met anyone who was happy when they could not pay bills), and I think we reach a point when we are satisfied in what we have created, or are on the road to creating. Perhaps Happy is not the best word, but Content is a better one. I lose happy when I get bored. I find Happy when I am challenged.
2007-08-24 13:31:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am in my late 50's. I truly am at the happiest period in my life. Material things do not matter as much, the kids are grown and are professionals. I am single and can persue my own happiness, create my own schedule, take whatever classes I am interested in . I volunteer for many organizations and have developed friendships through those meetings. I am free to travel, I don't have to cook every night for a family. I have been through enough crises that I don't get rattled and have become resilient and patient. , I pick and choose my battles carefully. I don't want to waste energy or time on the small stuff. In giving back to my community through volunteering, I have enriched my life, not financially, but through giving myself to someone else, there is enormous joy.
This is a great period in my life
2007-08-26 07:09:17 · answer #4 · answered by slk29406 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though I greatly miss my dear wife and my brother, both of whom passed on at early ages, I have to say that at age 68 I am more contented than I have ever been. Contentment is not quite the same as happiness but it's close and I'm well satisfied with it. I'm not absolutely sure why I am so contented but believe it is because I have no job tying me down and don't really have responsibility for anyone other than myself.
This puts me in mind of Elsie, the Contented Cow from Borden's milk fame. For you youngsters, Elsie is probably recognizable to the older set.
2007-08-24 14:07:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
But when you finally settle down from the pressure of having to earn a living...you will definitely find out the difference!
Plus, by the time we get up into our 60s and 70s, most of us are way past the need to put up a "social face" and just let our true personalities shine forth....a lot less mental stress that way.
2007-08-24 13:48:47 · answer #6 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are still healthy I believe you will enjoy your 60's and seventies. There are many things you can do that you didn't have the time for while working. You can relax and enjoy the golden years if you have prepared for them while working. Happy is a state of mind, most of us are as happy as we make up our mind to be. If you have a positive attitude you will be happy.
2007-08-27 11:30:06 · answer #7 · answered by rog@home 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm 60 now and was much happier when I was in my 40's
except for the fact that I didn't have my two adorable little grandsons then who are the loves of my life now.
2007-08-26 00:42:47 · answer #8 · answered by chansenfam@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in my 60s and happier than anytime in my life, except during the 14 months I gave myself a Y2K.
2007-08-24 11:11:29 · answer #9 · answered by Jack P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I firmly believe that a person creates their own happiness and attitude--you can choose to be happy or you can be a poop. It is up to you. Everyone has ups and downs and I think the 40's are the hardest on families.
2007-08-24 11:29:31 · answer #10 · answered by lilabner 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋