Live a Happier Life

One of the keys to living a long life is being happy. Those suffering from anxiety and depression often age quickly and die prematurely. Some feel anxiety and depression has a greater effect on longevity than being overweight, smoking or drinking. Another key to live a happier life is sociability – friendly people tend to live longer than those who are always lonely. I know, it is easier said than done, but we must reach out to others to make friends.

Satisfaction with love means more than satisfaction with money, health, job, being a parent, social life or sex. My wife and I have been in love for more than 60 years, with love overcoming many obstacles incurred with money, health, jobs and being parents.

Happily married people are the happiest people; whereas divorced people are often the unhappiest. Unmarried women are usually happier than unmarried men.

Job satisfaction follows love and marriage as the most important factor in attaining happiness. I have always been eager to get to my jobs – looking forward with anticipation, planning my day when waking up for my (bad) morning cigarette. (lung cancer operation was direct result - bad)

How can one become happy? One way is to set realistic goals. The more attainable the goals, the greater your chance of happiness. Try not to exaggerate your emotions, never compare your current life with pleasant days gone by.

Help your children - don’t burden them with lofty goals of your design. Simply encourage them to do their best at whatever they choose. So often parents want their children to reach goals they were never able to attain.

Summing up: Live a happier life – and – live it long!