10 tips to grow old happy

Healthy ageing indicates physical, psychological and social well-being when one gets older. Here the following factors play a crucial role: social relationships with family, friends and neighbours, independence, the neighborhood where you live, your psychological well-families, ...

We will zoom in on the psychological level, and you have this aspect entirely in your hands.How do you interpret life?

1. Be optimistic

How do you stand in life? Like a sour stocking or someone with pink glasses? Look at things in a positive way. Some things can't change anything, so why not see the benefits of it instead of the disadvantages? If it's a rainy day, don't complain about it, but be satisfied that your flowers will relive in your garden.

2. Do something for another

Volunteering and helping others contribute to the quality of a person's life to a large extent. You feel valuable as a person and you feel involved in society.

3. Looking forward to certain things

Plan something fun to look forward to every day. How about a cake from your favorite patissier? Or a TV show that makes you laugh? On that coffee with your girlfriend? Or face-time with your grandchild?

4. Be grateful

Don't complain about the things that aren't there, but be happy with the things you do have. This is conducive to your state of mind and so you become a strong person mentally.

5. Be active

Create an active and varied life. Take a daily walk and regularly solve a crossword puzzle or learn a poem from the head. This way you stay physically and mentally healthy.

6. Be open to new activities

Do you want to learn how to work with Skype for a while? Go for it. Or do you like learning a new language? Go to new places, new events, meet new people. Getting in touch with new things gives you an emotional boost.

7. Accept situations you cannot change

Health often gets worse as you get older. There is no point in whining about things that you cannot change. A good idea is actively looking for alternatives. Nowadays there are many opportunities for elderly people: having meals delivered to home, drivers at affordable rates, spending the day with others in a day centre, ...

8. Try to enjoy life

Happiness is in the little things, they always say. That's right. A hug, a heartwarming conversation, the sun on your face, a smile from a stranger,

9. Moderate your expectations

You'll be less disappointed in this way, and it will help your mood.

10. Compare yourself to those who are worse off than you

Everything is relative. Whoever can best relativize is the happiest. How you interpret the situation affects your happiness much more than how the situation really is.

Source:

Gabriel, Z., & Bowling, A. (2004). Quality of life from the perspectives of older people. Ageing & Society, 24(5), 675-691.