A Happier Outlook It may surprise some, but studies show that seniors are among the happiest groups of people and that they are significantly happier than their middle-aged counterparts. This could be due to better coping abilities. Older people tend to have internal mechanisms to deal better with hardship or negative circumstances than those who are younger. Another reason seniors may also be happier is that age means that they are “more comfortable being themselves.”
Grandchildren
Grandparents often get to experience the joys of little children without nappy changes and sleepless nights. Grandparents love their grandchildren, and this love lightens their own heart while simultaneously benefiting the grandchildren who receive this love.
Research shows children need four to six involved, caring adults in their lives to fully develop emotionally and socially and that the grandparent/grandchild relationship is second in emotional importance only to the parent/child relationship.
More Time for Loved Ones
Retirement isn’t inherently joyful or relaxing — its how that time is used that makes it special. One of the best parts of retirement is spending time with family, friends and other loved ones.
Opportunity to Pursue Your Dreams
The time gained during retirement is an excellent opportunity to pursue dreams and passions that you might have put on hold. For instance, you can learn a new language, take that trip you’ve always dreamed of, or write the novel in your head that’s been waiting to get out.
Guaranteed Minimum Income, Medicare and Social Security
While poverty is still a big problem among seniors, safety-net programs such as Medicare and the pension, seniors should have a guaranteed minimum income and health insurance even if they aren’t wealthy and don’t have children who can support them.
Senior Discounts
As trivial as senior discounts may seem, there must have been a time you envied them. The discounts offered to seniors can help people save money in a period when income tends to be fixed and limited. These discounts also provide a great incentive for seniors to make the most of their retirement, for the discounts are often for the exact types of services that help seniors stay engaged and active, such as dining, medication, entertainment and transportation.
Sense of Accomplishment
Older people often have a healthy sense of pride that comes from their accomplishments. These accomplishments needn’t be great feats.
Seemingly ordinary achievements like raising a healthy and happy child, being happily married, serving in defence of the nation, or retiring from a job in good-standing after years of dedicated service, can be the foundation of pleasant contentment in old age.