I recently read about some research which found that 60 – 70 year olds were the luckiest and happiest generation alive. Either too young for, or born after World War 2, this generation has lived through 6 decades of “relative peace”, prosperity and major technical innovation.
Despite growing up in the “swinging 60s’ and living through major lifestyle changes, a research study conducted by Warner Leisure Hotels revealed that one third of the 60s and 70s interviewed said that they were happier now than they were in their 20s and 30s.
Confirming what this web site has been saying for years, over 90% of them did not regard themselves as “old”. In fact almost half described themselves as “Sexy at 60” or “younger than my years”. How old you are really depends largely on your attitude. Some people are old at 50 – some are young at 80.
It was interesting to note that those respondents who were the most optimistic were also the most physically active, with programs of regular exercise. This is just more confirmation on the importance of regular exercise for older people. It has both mental and physical benefits. Dr. Tim Sharp, author and founder of The Happiness Institute, states that being reasonably fit and healthy makes it much easier to be happy. This doesn’t have to involve sweating in the gym. Just be active -walk, swim or cycle four or five times each week for at least 20 minutes.
Sandra Kimball, the author of our book ‘Relationships in our 50s – 60s and beyond” also suggests some reasons why many people in their 60s and 70s are happier and more at ease than they were in their younger years. She wrote “In our 60s, the grip of an identity derived from status and experience loosens. The 60s is a good time to take stock and re-visit what’s important and what really matters. Otherwise, we cling desperately to the life we created in the past”. It’s a time when we are hopefully old and wise enough to appreciate what we have and not to fret about a lot of stuff that isn’t really important.
Sandra viewed the seventies as the creative years for many. “Creative people thrive at this time of life and are no longer satisfied by exterior standards of material success. Many people produce their best work during these years. People in their 70s have earned the right to wear the golden crown of life’s master; not only because they have endured the trials and tests of life, but also because they know it’s time to give back to the world and to serve something beyond their personal self – centred interests.”
You can buy Sandra’s Relationships book on this web site. Details are on our Home Page.
Paul McKeon
My Lifechange