The biggest surprise the researchers found in the data reveals that being happy was more important to these seniors than having full cognitive function. In fact, even mild cognitive impairment didn’t change the level of happiness of the respondents. They were happy despite knowing they had a few cognitive issues. 

Think about that for a moment. Let it roll around in your brain pan. We value happiness over full-scale mental acuity. We put our hearts above our heads. Why?

I’ve studied this idea for decades and I think it’s because having a happy heart—coming in anywhere from contentment to joy on the happiness spectrum, gives us a reason to get up in the morning. It reinforces our connection to the world around us and helps us to appreciate all the miracles of this earth. It also strengthens our immune systems. Happiness gives us resiliency, courage, and hope, and it allows love to play a prominent part in our lives. Both intuitively and through decades of experience, these respondents understand the power of being happy.

Learning this new information, I hope, will give you even more reasons to let go of regrets, and embrace forgiveness for those who have knowingly or unknowingly hurt you. I also challenge you to explore ways to live more fully in the present moment, where all our happiness resides. 

Today, I am recommitting myself to these goals. Please join me and add years to your life!

Until next time…Be Vibrant!