Research Shows Many Seniors are Living Productive Lives in Their Eighties

Many people believe growing older is awful and that everyone in their eighties is sickly and depressed. However, in 86-year-old psychologist Katharine Esty’s fourth book called, EightySomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness, she strongly dispels this notion. In fact, her research found elderly adults are happier and hold a more positive outlook than most of us thought. Esty explains, “The stereotypes that people have in their minds about old age are just completely wrong.” She adds, the type of activities people in their eighties are doing is stunning and many are pain-free, living full productive lives.

It turns out a lot of octogenarians are still working full- or part-time jobs, or finding fulfillment in doing some sort of volunteer work through their communities or church. Esty says having a purpose in life, regardless of age, gives a person’s life meaning. In addition, most 80-year-olds have already experienced loss and hardships in their life and have developed coping mechanisms to better deal with difficulties. The majority of octogenarians also reported feeling less anger, worry and stress than they did when they were younger; and while they may have some regrets, most had come to terms with their decisions. Lastly, the contentment 80-year-olds express about their lives is they recognize time is short and should not be wasted.   

MorningStar of Kirkland’s goal is to provide the best senior housing Kirkland offers, with a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security. Our new community will open later this year and offer enrichment programs to stay active and engaged in life physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Residents will enjoy resort-style amenities and beautiful common areas including an art studio, bistro bar, outdoor dining, swimming pool, sport courts, and gardens.  We encourage you to visit our website for contact information, virtual tour, list of amenities, various services and floorplans.  

MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in independent living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please call for more information about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer.

Source: cnbc.com/2020/10/03/why-people-are-happier-in-their-80s-86-year-old-psychologist.html