THINK OLD, get happy

Research shows that our seniors are the happiest generation. Steal their secrets and live your best days now. By Melissa Shedden

In the game of life, it turns out it’s not all downhill as adulthood turns into maturity. In August, researchers at the University of California – who analysed a random sample of 1546 people aged 21 to 100 – found physical and cognitive decline was actually also associated with higher levels of overall satisfaction, happiness and wellbeing. Not to mention diminishing anxiety, depression and stress. But why wait? Live like your older, happier self – now.

1 LOSE TRACK OF TIME

Retire that crammed schedule to something more sedate. This will give you more time to be open to what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi terms “flow”, those moments when time flies because your mind is fully engaged in a rewarding activity. ?

2 PUT PEN TO PAPER

Those handwritten thank-you notes so beloved of previous generations do more than keep your motor skills revving. US data has found they also enhance general life satisfaction.

3 EAT SIMPLY

“Superfoods are all the rage but a simpler approach is easier to maintain,” cardiologist Dr Nikki Stamp says. Think vegetables, fruits and wholegrains, with lots of variety.

4 SEE SLEEP AS A NECESSITY

Not a luxury. As well as getting the recommended seven to eight hours overnight, a nanna nap (10 minutes is the magic number according to Flinders University research) boosts energy and alertness.

5 KEEP THOSE FAMILY TIES

Remember the “I just happened to walk by” drop-in by Aunty Beryl? Turns out she was onto something. The US Framingham

Heart Study found living within 1.6km of family and friends meant better health. Why? “It’s walking distance. Exercise is the antieverything when it comes to stress, mood and weight gain,” Dr Avni Sali, of the National Institute of Integrative Medicine, says.

6 HAVE A TASK

“I believe in getting up early each day, putting on some make-up and having something to do,” etiquette queen, June Dally-Watkins, 90, says. Note: “something” is singular, not plural.

7 HUDDLE UP

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the US report that only the capacity for loving relationships predicted life satisfaction in older men. Data also shows that happiness is contagious – having a joyful friend nearby tends to rub off.

8 TALK SHOP

Instead of scampering for their digital devices, the elderly tend to linger after a meal. And that’s a good thing. “Regular family sharing and support is often lacking in our dislocated families these days. Schedule in a weekly family dinner or some group Skype sessions,” recommends Dr Suzy Green, from The Positivity Institute.

9 VISIT MEMORY LANE

UK research shows that embracing nostalgia and telling tales that start with “back in my day…” can ease anxiety, beat loneliness and boost feelings of generosity.

10 GO GARDEN

A green thumbsup: a Karolinska University Hospital study in Sweden found that pottering in the garden can reduce heart attack and stroke risk by 27 per cent.

11 JOIN A CLUB

A Nottingham Trent University study in the UK found that the sense of belonging that comes with being in a sports club or hobby group adds a heightened level of happiness. Beats working out solo at the gym.

12 FIND YOUR RELIGION

Community, reflection and calm are the hallmarks of spirituality, and can help you during rough patches. Your Pop might have gone to church every Sunday – you do yoga. Same same.