psychology
This habit is essential to staying happy as you age
© shurkin_son / Adobe Stock
What do we need to be balanced and happy even in old age? According to a recent study, it is above all a habit that significantly contributes to happiness – and can even protect against depression.
Some things become easier as we get older: We have more time for ourselves and the things that bring us joy. Life experience usually brings with it a certain degree of calmness; we are often better able to deal with difficult topics. And we generally no longer have to stress ourselves as much to meet the high demands of life’s rush hour.
Other aspects of aging are less encouraging: our health is no longer as resilient as it was when we were younger. This applies to physical as well as mental health. Because also our risk for Depression increases with age and some people feel lonely and isolated. That’s why it becomes even more important in this phase of life to actively do something for our psychological well-being. A recent study examined what helps people minimize the risk of depression in old age and be happier overall. The answer: hobbies.
Satisfaction: According to the study, hobbies provide a mental health boost
In the Meta-analysis of a total of five studies The researchers examined data from more than 90,000 people aged 65 and over from 16 countries. The focus was on the leisure activities of seniors. The data showed that not only can hobbies reduce the risk of depression and its symptoms in older people, but that older people are happier and more satisfied with their lives and (reportedly) healthier when they engage in a hobby.
Incidentally, the research team included the variables relationship status, income and job in the results – the result remained the same: there is a clear correlation between pursuing a hobby and satisfaction.
Why hobbies make us happier
Dr. Karen Mak from University College London is lead author of the meta-study and confirms that active leisure activities and hobbies can protect people from the mental side effects of aging: “Life satisfaction correlated most strongly with hobbies.” The scientist also explains why hobbies can help make us happier. This is due to various mechanisms, such as a feeling of control over body and mind, a perceived purpose and meaning, and the feeling of being better able to cope with the everyday demands of life.
The study shows even more exciting results. For example, the countries in which hobbies play a major role in society show a higher life expectancy and higher levels of satisfaction in the population as a whole – across age lines.
In short: Hobbies are a boost for our (mental) health. They help us to stay mentally fit and make us happier – especially in the later years of our lives. And it is irrelevant whether our hobby is crafting, gardening, painting or reading.
Sources used: mindbodygreen.com, nature.com