When researchers asked people to rank their own well-being, those who rated themselves most highly were individuals from 82 to 85. This startling statistic comes from a column written by David Brooks in The New York Times. Psychologists say this occurs because of changes in the brain but it also has to do with elders letting go of anxiety, being more relaxed about the future, and getting more pleasure out of small things.

Brooks refers to Lighter As We Go, a book by Jimmie Holland and Mindy Greenstein where the authors state: "The ability to grow lighter as we go is a form of wisdom that entails learning how not to sweat the small stuff, learning how not to be involved in particular outcomes."

Looking forward to the rewards of joy and happiness is a sufficient reason to take good care of ourselves so we can reap the wonders and benefits of old age.


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