Karl Pillemer, the author of, “30 lessons for living-Tired and true advice from the wisest Americans”, has discovered that people in their 70’s are way beyond happier than younger people.
This let him on a 7-year quest. He conducted a study and realized that the older generation had great advice to give to the next generation. One of the key factors, he realized was, “The older the respondent, the more likely they were to say that life passes by in what seems like an instant.”
Its important to prioritize the people and things that matter and stop worrying, worrying is futile. One of the them Pillemer interviewed, had said, “Worrying wastes your life.”
Important points from his research for a happier life quotient are as follows;
- Say things now to people you care about- whether it’s expressing gratitude, asking forgiveness or getting information.
- Spend the maximum amount of time with your parents and children.
- Work in a job you love.
- Choose your mate carefully, don’t rush in.
- Savor daily pleasures instead of waiting for “big-ticket items” to make you happy.
Pillemer interviewed a 89 year old who stated, “I have learned that happiness is a choice, not a condition.”
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius had said, “When you are distressed by an external thing, its not the thing itself that troubles you, but only your judgement of it. And you can wipe this out at a moment’s notice.”
Life is a choice, choose wisely! Either you can continue fretting or spend each day with hope and positivity.
