If you're happy and you know it

Written by Michelle Albert

There is a tendency to think of old age as a curse, a time in life when the aches and pains take over. But take heart. Dan Buettner’s experience in the Blue Zones is entirely different. Elderly populations there tend to be happy and well adjusted, as well as being much loved by their families and communities.

The same may be broadly true in America. The April issue of the American Sociological Review has two articles on Blue Zone topics. One study analyzes how connected older Americans are to their communities, and the other looks at American levels of happiness broken down by age and race. The good news is that while older Americans do have smaller social networks than younger people, these ties are robust. The article "The Social Connectedness of Older Adults: A National Profile" shows "that age increases the frequency of socializing with neighbors, religious participation, and volunteering.” So as we age, we tend to keep up these important social connections, and these activities may correlate to the fact that generally we become happier as we age. The one exception seems to be Baby Boomers, who are not as happy as the rest of us. The study notes, “Baby boomer’s unique experiences during early adulthood may have had a lasting impact on their sense of happiness.”

The Washington Post covered these articles and offered some analysis as to why those midlife years may pose problems for happiness.

Previous research also has shown that mid-life tends to be the most stressful time, said Cornell University sociologist Elaine Wethington. "Everyone's asking you to do things and you have a lot to do. You're less happy because you feel hassled.”

The lessons from Blue Zones populations are especially important for those of us in midlife as well as underscoring the importance of the aging process. Instead of dreading getting older, look to the lessons from the Blue Zones and current research--The golden years may just come at the end of life.

Financial Longevity?

Written by Kathryn Savage

What are the financial implications of living longer? How much money will you need to retire, and how will you use it?

A recent report conducted by The New York Times explains that retirees who don’t get pensions these days (many), and retirees of the future who won't get pensions (most) “have to create their own income streams, usually through a combination of Social Security and distributions from retirement savings, including I.R.A.’s and 401(k) accounts.”

So what are some healthy financial strategies you should consider if you are a) in retirement, b) leading up to retirement, and c) won't be retiring for many years?

Baby, Don’t Worry About A Thing!

Written by Kathryn Savage

There are good times to be stressed.

We all know it, hearts flutter, palms get sweaty, and there are times when we want these changes - like while driving home late at night on an icy road. The bodies autonomic nervous system provides the rapid response to stress commonly known as the fight-or-flight response. And at times, yes, we want to be hyper alert. But when it comes to stress, when is enough... enough?

Better Relationships? Be Nice!

Written by Kathryn Savage

Be a little bit nicer and you might live a whole lot longer!
Want to have fewer marital battles? Want to get along better with your kids? Your coworkers? Your friends? Be sure you pick your battles wisely! It’s an old adage but it’s true. It is unrealistic to expect you will never have relationship difficulties, and it seems the simplest remedy may just be a smile, a hug, and an agreeable demeanor, in other words: be nice.

Happiness is ... not being 45

Written by Michelle Albert

Turns out that those middle years of life tend to be the ones when we are most unhappy. A recent study of happiness across different countries showed that most people follow a “U-shaped” happiness curve. That dip in the middle of the "U" corresponds to midlife. One of the researchers, Andrew Oswald from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, says:

"Only in their 50s do most people emerge from the low period. But encouragingly, by the time you are 70, if you are still physically fit then on average you are as happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year-old. Perhaps realising that such feelings are completely normal in mid-life might even help individuals survive this phase better."

How To Joy?

Written by Kathryn Savage

With the tax deadline fast approaching and swimsuit season right around the corner it’s hard to savor the moment and remember to slow down if you are stressed out, running late for your final meeting with your accountant, or running to the gym to de-winterize flabby arms.

So how to joy?

Meditate on life’s simple pleasures and blessings. Find a fun-activity partner and share the good times. It’s easier to motivate to slow down and savor the moment if you have a scheduled time to decompress and relax in your week.

Pursuit of Happiness

Written by Kathryn Savage

The pursuit of happiness is nothing new.

The benefits that come from living a satisfied life are varied and far-reaching. Health benefits like stress reduction, the benefits of friendship and fun, these are all great attributes of living a happy, contented life. In a recent issue of Oprah Magazine, "the five things happy people do" are broken down in a great, interesting and practical article. I've included the five suggestions for you to read here.

FEATURE: Slow Down, You're Moving Too Fast!

Written by Kathryn Savage

If you don’t take the time to be well, you will have to make the time to be sick.

Sardinians take to the streets for a late afternoon stroll, Nicoyans break from work in the afternoon to relax and spend time with with friends. Last night? My buddies and I played some bar trivia. I know people who sit still when they meditate, and people who get a sublime release from putting on a favorite record and rocking out while doing the dishes. Slowing down is about unwinding, relaxing, and the people who live the longest know how to unwind.

Happiness Video Compilation: Denmark & Singapore

Written by Dan Buettner

Lately, much of my research on longevity has been leading me toward a study of happiness in general. I appeared on ABC's 20/20 to discuss the topics I'm investigating, and how they affect our ability to get – and stay – happy:

Interview with Dan in US News & World Report

Written by Bruno Bornsztein

Recently, BlueZones founder Dan Buettner was interviewed for an article in U.S. News & World Report. Here's an excerpt:

As droves of baby boomers retire or prepare to do so, the generation that never settles is now focused on maximizing health, fulfillment, and longevity. And the quest for a fountain of youth is getting a renewed surge of interest replete with its own cadre of titles and television shows meant to inspire and guide seekers on the journey to long, "well" lives. In keeping with the trend, Dan Buettner—writer, holder of three Guinness world records in long-distance cycling, and leader of multiple international adventures—brings us The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest, which hits bookstore shelves today. His book is the culmination of a project that began in 2000 and included a 2005 National Geographic cover story, "The Secrets of Living Longer." (The term "blue zone" was coined after a demographer used a blue marker to note the areas on a map where the eldest, healthiest people resided.) U.S. News caught up with the author-explorer to discuss his book and the "Power 9," a set of principles we can live by to add extra healthy years to our lives.