Grumpy old man. Bitter old hag. These are images familiar to anybody that was once young. But, as we age and find ourselves coming closer to the twilight years, hitting the better side of 40, 50, 60, and so on, it is important to step back and do a double check. Just how far are we from being described in just those terms?
While some people have a higher propensity for being happy, others have a greater tendency toward seeing the down side of things. However, modern research indicates a direct correlation between a person's ability to be happy and their longevity. So, staying happy is not just a personal choice. It is an obligation that we have to ourselves, those we care about, and society as a whole.
The key to becoming and staying happy as we age is in understanding that the mind and body work together in a delicate balance. Neither can be trusted to function properly if the other is not cared for. Taking care of the most basic of physical needs is just as important to being happy as being surrounded by those we love and being permitted to do what we enjoy.
Sleep, Food, and Wine
A lack of sleep has significant implications on mood. In the long term, a lack of sufficient hours in a rested state saps the body's ability to replenish itself. It is pushed to limits it was not meant to endure. When the body is concentrating so hard on basic functions such as walking and blinking it cannot be expected to have much of a sense of humor.
Likewise, a lack of proper nutrition starves the mind's ability to appreciate the beauty of life and find joy in it. Certain foods have the ability to sap the mind and body of life while others have anti-oxidant properties. Indulging in foods, on a regular basis, that harm the mind's and body's ability to stay healthy.
On the other hand, life really is too short to live in a constant state of denial. Stringently depriving yourself of that which brings pleasure just leads to depravity. An occasional glass of red wine is not the only medically approved indulgence. A little bit of chocolate and anything else that makes you smile is well worth it.
Physically Fit, It Takes Strength To Smile
Regular exercise of any kind is still physical activity. Hanky-panky is just as valid as a brisk walk with the dog. The point is that when the body is not in shape it is far easier to fall into depression. Receding hairlines and sagging body parts don't need additional help in chipping away at self-confidence. None of us look like we did the day we caught a view in the reflection of a store window as we rushed off to a mid-term exam. Physical activity releases positive endorphins, making it impossible not to feel good.
Be Selfish
Living for others is admirable but, only really worth it if driven by some perceived personal gain. It's true what they say, no good deed goes unpunished. If living for others is all that it is cut out to be then, there must obviously be two classes of people: Them for who we live and us who only give. Sometimes, receiving is better than giving. Take what is yours and enjoy it. Life only has so many sun rises.
At the end of the day, happiness really is a choice. Viewing life through rose colored glasses has its perks. Being a realist certainly has its place but, must be tempered. Is every battle worth waging or just the ones that threaten your ability to be happy? My vote is for the latter.
