Finding Your Own Source of Happiness 

A hundred years ago, the average life expectancy in Ireland was around 50. Today, it hovers somewhere between 77 and 82, depending on your sex. In fact, Ireland has one of the highest life expectancies in the EU. 

The attitudes and actions of individuals are as important as those of governments and other agencies in promoting positive ageing.  

So, what are some ways to find happiness? We’ve done a lot of listening and put together some practical strategies to help achieve overall happiness. Read on to find out more. 

How Laughter Can Uplift Your Life

Mark Twain once said, “Age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” He had a point, but getting to a stage where you don’t mind lies at the heart of growing old with joy. 

A good place to start is with laughter, and that’s not a joke. Research suggests that laughter regularly improves our mental and physical well-being. 

Getting a daily giggle increases oxygen intake. It stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles. It also releases endorphins, the hormones that trigger positive feelings. Laughter is a stress-buster and helps us to relax. 

Daily Habits to Spark a Smile 

If you live alone, make it a habit to find something that makes you smile every day. You could do this by:   

1. Listening to a favourite comedy podcast 

2. Reading a book that’s full of laughs  

3. Watching a TV series that appeals to your sense of humour 

4. Journaling to practice gratitude and addressing negative thoughts

Smiles can also be boosted by positive activities, such as caring for support pets, which encourage joy and companionship.

The digital age has made access to all media types quick and easy. Take advantage of it! 

Stay Active

Staying active can be challenging, but regular exercise can help you feel happier and improve your mood. It can help improve sleep and reduce arthritic pain, too. The good news is you don’t need to go to the gym!  

Regular exercise can also have a positive impact on several diseases and conditions, including but not limited to: 

1. High blood pressure 

2. Heart disease and strokes 

3. Diabetes and osteoporosis 

Does Exercise Bring You Joy?

Like laughter, exercise releases happiness hormones like dopamine and serotonin. There are several common factors that keep us from exercising in later life. 

It’s really important to manage our physical well-being so that we can exercise to our full potential. That means: 

1. Looking after Your Feet

Wash your feet daily and dry them well. Always apply a moisturising foot cream. Keep toenails nicely trimmed. 

Keep your feet warm with socks and stockings. Wear well-fitting shoes made from breathable and stretchable materials with adjustable fastenings. 

2. Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

Avoid smoking as it damages the eyes and increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. 

Eat a balanced diet. Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses. You should also get good sleep and regular eye tests! 

3. Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene 

Good oral hygiene helps you eat, speak and socialise without discomfort or embarrassment. Reduce sugary foods and drinks you consume, especially before bedtime. 

Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Avoid excess alcohol consumption and do not smoke, as this increases the risk of mouth cancer. 

How to Add Activity to Your Routine?

It’s never too late to start something new, so they say. Finding a new hobby or interest you enjoy is another proven mood-lifter. It gives us meaning and direction in our lives.  

The key is finding something that appeals to you and that you’ll stick with. Interests stimulate the brain and help us to feel happier. 

Try a Range of Hobbies

You could, for example, start learning a new language. Apps like Duolingo or working with a remote online tutor are effective and affordable. 

It also creates some easy, regular social interaction. Shopping also offers a way to remain active, engaged, and connected to the community.

Other options include jigsaws, puzzles, knitting, mindfulness, painting, cooking, taking care of plants, or even learning a new musical instrument. Try apps like Jigsaw Puzzles, Smiling Mind, Planta and Sketchbook. 

Make It Part of Your Routine

Find something manageable and build it into your daily routine. You could also make an indoor exercise regime such as: 

• Chair-based exercises

• Stretching

• Walking

• Carrying or moving groceries

• Gardening

• Dancing 

• Playing bowls

There are plenty of free apps, including 7-Minute Workout, Daily Yoga, and Kokuhealth.com, to help you get started.  

Stay Connected 

Comfort Keepers understands how connection with family, loved ones, and friends delivered one of the greatest sources of joy. Social contact can also be one of the toughest actions to achieve. 

Benefits of Social Interaction

As we age, physical, sensory, and cognitive decline are common. Learning the importance of touch for older persons helps you understand its uplifting impact. There are constant and continual benefits from social interaction throughout most of our entire lives. 

Social media gets a lot of bad press at times, but when used wisely, it is a really good way to stay connected. Rather than posting and commenting, use messaging services to stay in touch with friends and family. 

If mobility and transport create problems, use virtual ways to stay in touch. Find someone you can connect with regularly, like an old friend or faraway relative to whom you send a friendly emoji each morning.  

Make a Plan of Action to Find Joy  

There’s no time like the present, so here’s our recommended 5-point plan: 

1. Stay active or start to get more active.

2. Find something to make you laugh each day.

3. Keep on top of your health with eye, ear & dental tests and vaccinations. 

4. Set up regular chats with friends and family.

5. Eat well, keep warm, and take up a new interest or hobby. 

Stay Happy and Joyful with Comfort Keepers

We’re always looking for new ways that can help keep us happy and joyful. If you have any tips you’d like to share, do get in touch with us through our Facebook page or speak to a member of the homecare team.  

We have plenty more articles for older people who may be receiving homecare. Find more helpful tips and advice in our News section.