How to protect happiness as we age
Scientific litsketch on boosting mental health
Research shows that in countries that have a cultural tendency to avoid uncertainties, new ideas and changes, people feel less happy and less satisfied with their life as they get older (Lawrie et al., 2020). But in countries that have high tolerance and acceptance for new and uncertain ideas, older age does not reduce their sense of well-being.
A survey of 64,228 people across 43 countries shows that people who are more tolerant of new ideas feel more in control over what happens in their life, and better cope with stress by actively taking actions to make the situation better. This sense of control and ability to cope with stress protect them from the tendency to feel less happy as they grow older. In fact, compared to people who are more accepting of new ideas, people who feel stressed and anxious about new ideas and changes are more likely to feel negative about ageing (Lockenhoff et al., 2009).
When we learn to be more fond of novelty and change, and open ourselves to new knowledge, new experiences and new environments as we grow older, ageing is less likely to make us feel unhappy. As we get older, see yourself growing with wisdom and understanding to protect your happiness.
What new things will you learn or experience in the next 10 years of your life?
Lawrie, Smaranda Ioana, Kimin Eom, Daniela Moza, Alin Gavreliuc, and Heejung S. Kim. "Cultural variability in the association between age and well-being: the role of uncertainty avoidance." Psychological science 31, no. 1 (2020): 51-64.
Löckenhoff, Corinna E., Filip De Fruyt, Antonio Terracciano, Robert R. McCrae, Marleen De Bolle, Paul T. Costa, Maria E. Aguilar-Vafaie et al. "Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates." Psychology and aging 24, no. 4 (2009): 941.