How to Be Happy When You Approach Old Age: Simply Be Happy

When you look around, you might wonder why some people who are approaching old age appear happy, while others do not? Perhaps some people are always happy while others are never happy. Is being happy a genetic factor? Up to this time, there has not been sufficient research done to prove this.  

The question becomes one of how to be happy when you approach old age.

Consider the word happy for a moment.

Dictionary.com suggests that the word happy means “characterized by good luck,” or “enjoying, showing, or marked by pleasure, satisfaction, or joy”. It also suggests that a happy person is one “being especially well-adapted” or “cheerful; willing”. The word happy has other usages in terms of being “characterized by a spontaneous or obsessive inclination to use something,” or “enthusiastic about or involved with to a disproportionate degree”.

Looking more closely at these various connotations with respect to the word happy, you can see that each is a passionate, positive and pro-active word or expression, as an emotional response reflected in attitude.  

   

In other words, you can be happy when you approach old age, simply by choosing an appropriate attitude. At times, it may take an attitude adjustment on your part, as your happiness can be dependent upon the way you regard your life and that of others.

In other words, you are the one who is ultimately in control of your emotional response and general attitude to life. You can choose to be happy or unhappy. How you respond emotionally to your life and surroundings will determine to some extent the response of others.

This does not suggest that life will not throw some adverse curves your way. The important thing is that you learn how to deal with what happens in your life in a positive way, being aware that you can turn what is negative in your life in a positive direction. That may take energy and effort on your part. At times, it may prove to be a humbling experience, as you wonder how you can possibly be happy as you approach old age.

Approaching old age is not necessarily an unhappy event. In fact, for many people getting older is not something to fear, but rather a time for celebrating life more fully. Many people enjoy being older because they have more time for themselves and less responsibility. It is not that life is ever completely free of problems. 

  

You can be happier by celebrating your life more fully. Plan your retirement in such a way that you have more time and less responsibility. Even if you are in pain, suffering in some way or grieving, recognize that in spite of everything, you are still a happy person at heart.   

Make a decision to be a happy person regardless of your financial situation or circumstances. Be happy in yourself and you will radiate your happiness to others, wherever you are. Build relationships in a positive direction.

Remember that wherever you go, you will invariably find people approaching old age who are happy and unhappy. Some show their happiness more than others do. Revel in the happiness of those who are happy and set a good example for those who are unhappy.

In other words, simply be happy and help others to be happy too. That will probably make you even happier!