Happiness expert shares the 7 habits of people who are happy and healthy later in life
In a world increasingly obsessed with quick fixes and silver bullets, Dr. Arthur C. Brooks reminds us that the path to happiness in later life is marked by simplicity and consistency. Drawing insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Brooks identifies seven habits that distinguish the 'happy-well' individuals from the rest. These habits include physical practices like balanced diet, regular exercise, and moderation in substance use, coupled with psychological habits such as continual learning, effective coping strategies, and nurturing love. These are not esoteric secrets but rather attainable practices that emphasize the power of moderation, curiosity, resilience, and love.
The narrative Brooks presents is not only insightful but also refreshingly grounded. His personal anecdotes, such as his struggle with nicotine addiction, underscore the human aspect of these findings, making them relatable and actionable. The notion that happiness and health are closely tied to manageable daily habits rather than elusive ideals offers a liberating perspective. It suggests that the journey to a fulfilling later life is less about radical transformation and more about consistent, small choices made with intention and care.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge of maintaining happiness and health into later life.
- The actions
- People are adopting habits such as balanced diet, regular exercise, moderation in substance use, continual learning, and nurturing relationships.
- Evidence of progress
- The Harvard Study of Adult Development provides robust data showing that these habits correlate with increased happiness and health in older age.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn to focus on consistency in simple habits, such as moderation, curiosity, and building strong relationships, to improve their quality of life as they age.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story
Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 7
- Relationships
- 9
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 7
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Curiosity
Brooks emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, stating 'people who are life-long learners, they are healthier and they are happier.'
Perseverance
Brooks shares his personal challenge with quitting smoking, highlighting the perseverance needed to overcome addiction.
Love
Brooks identifies love as the 'biggie,' stating that 'there’s no substitute for love. Happiness is love, full stop.'
Try this today
Identify one small change you can make in your daily routine to promote a healthier lifestyle, like taking a daily walk or setting aside time to read. Reflect on how this change makes you feel over the next week.