What’s the secret to long-term happiness?
Is it money? A great sex life? Never again burning your toast?
It’s tricky to know the answer until later on in life, by which point you may have made some monumental mistakes in your pursuit of joy.
So we’re glad Bupa’s saved us from learning the hard way by asking a bunch of older people (2,000 adults aged 55 and over, to be more specific) what they think are the secrets to a long and happy life.
The obvious stuff makes the list – having a job you enjoy, being close with your family, having someone to love – but there are some unexpected keys to success there, too.
Some people reccommended having a good gossip as a way to stay happy, others suggested a proper breakfast every day, and a significant portion reckon working in an office is a barrier to a wonderful life.
The average age respondents said they realised the secret to a happy life was 49, so us youngsters have a way to go before we discover the truth about our existence. We can read through what they say helped, though, as a little cheat sheet to getting more joy in our lives.
The 50 secrets to a happy life
- A loving partner
- Being close to family
- Laughing every day
- Doing regular exercise
- Getting out and enjoying nature
- Getting eight hours a sleep
- Owning a pet
- Having enough money to do what you want
- Having a job you love
- Playing with your children/grandchildren
- Having a hobby
- Having at least one really close friend
- Getting your five-a-day
- Living in the countryside
- A small act of kindness every day
- Reading every day
- Having lots of friends
- Having a good sex life
- Having breakfast every day
- Going on lots of little holidays
- Listening to music every day
- The Mediterranean diet
- Seeing lots of the world
- Looking after your appearance
- Working with people you get along with
- Making sure you get enough sun
- Having treats like chocolate and cake in moderation
- Avoiding alcohol
- Going on a big holiday every year
- Doing a crossword or Sudoku every day
- Doing puzzles
- Watching your favourite TV shows
- Getting up early
- Cooking every day
- Relaxing with yoga or meditation
- Eating whatever you want
- Having a lie in at least once a week
- Getting involved in the local community
- Doing things for charity
- Staying single
- Going to events like concerts or sporting events
- Going to the beach as much as possible
- Doing something craft-related such as knitting or crochet
- Not working in an office
- Giving someone else a compliment every day
- Having a good gossip
- Taking/looking at photos every day
- Painting or drawing
- Getting a compliment from someone else every day
- Playing a musical instrument every day
Joan Elliott, managing director of Bupa Care Services, said: ‘We will all have our own theories on what makes for a happy and fulfilled life but it’s fascinating to get the insights of the older generation.
‘Overall there are a number of themes within our top 50 secrets to a long and happy life namely love, friendship, creativity, eating well and being outside.
‘Creativity appears to be especially important and perhaps this is because it stimulates the mind and allows us to express ourselves and release any frustrations.
‘Most people might think we’re happiest when we are younger but the research shows there is much to look forward to as we grow older – having more time to pursue hobbies is just one thing to be excited about.’
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