Nobody ever said that growing older is a walk in the park, and that there aren’t day, weeks, even months, that a good dose of self-pity isn’t what the situation demands—BUT. If you think that an ongoing pity party is a productive way of coping with the lousy hand you claim the universe dealt you, you are NEVER are going to head for the exit and force yourself to take a different path. Plus, the more you seek out misfortune, the more likely it is to find you.  

Statistics show that whenever things are at their worst is when you most need to smile. Some people believe that putting a smile on your face is the quickest cure for depression. You may not notice a change right off, but try walking out in the fresh air with a smile on your face. Before long, passersby will notice your smile and smile right back. Smiles from strangers are a good distraction from those self-centered thoughts of yours that surely drag you down. The more you smile, the more you will find things to smile about, and the more likely those things are to respond to you accordingly.  

Mark Twain, the great humorist, stated over a century ago, that man is as happy as he makes up his mind to be. On some level, the late, great cartoonist Charles Schulz might be considered Twain’s 20^th century counterpart. Out of his own depression, Schulz created classic examples of humor and a joyful philosophy, and then placed them in the mouths of what some consider his animated alter egos—Snoopy and Charlie Brown. How much pleasure do you suppose Schulz brought to others as well as to himself as a result of his willingness to squeeze humor out of despair? 

Still not convinced? Well, maybe you’ll believe scientific studies. According to scientist Richard J. Davidson, PhD, real happiness is “the result of wisdom” and can be learned. Some of us are born with more of a propensity toward happiness than others, but with a little training, we can all come up to par. This breakthrough, by the way, was observed from x-rays of the human brain as it reacts to positive stimuli, and is not based on speculation. 

The nice part about scientific breakthroughs is that you are never too old to apply them to your life. Of course, it isn’t easy being over 60 and maybe finding yourself alone, or ill, and/or financially challenged. But if you are ever going to improve your status on any of these levels, you are going to have to take the necessary steps. No one can do it for you. 

Following are a few highly effective ways to kick-start the process: (1) Use your imagination and envision what you want. Remember, thoughts create reality, and if you can see something in your mind’s eye, you can also manifest it in your life; (2) Spend time doing what you love, whatever it may be, as long as it is not counter to your health and well-being; (3) Find new things to do that will give you ongoing happiness rather than the instant gratification of material things; (4) Cherish your closest friends and family and the time you spend with them; (5) Allow yourself to be happy, and you will radiate that happiness to all those around you, which, in turn, will be reflected back at you. 

Don’t take these happiness-triggers lightly. Studies have shown that being happy is life giving, and that attitude has a lot to do with longevity. Gratitude and optimism are two of the most beneficial supplements you can take on a daily basis and they will go a long way to adding satisfying years to your life.