“Happiness is what’s happening right now. It’s not next week. It’s not tomorrow…if you’re not happy right now, you’re not happy.”

Summary:

Why is it some people are just so happy? Do we get happier as we grow older? What does happiness really look like? In this episode, Cathleen chats with John Leland, New York Times reporter and best-selling author of Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year Among the Oldest Old.

Insight to Being Happy:

In 2015, award-winning New York Times journalist John Leland set out to meet members of America’s fastest-growing age group – adults over the age of 85. He anticipated learning of the challenges of growing old, of isolation and decline of health. What he discovered was the opposite, revealing that the later stages of life can be, in actuality, quite the opposite.

In this episode, Leland shares some surprising insights gleaned from conversations with the six octogenarians he followed for his book, a few hilarious anecdotes from 87-year-old Fred, and the real secret to enduring happiness.

Links:

• Jonas Mekas
• New York Times articles by John Leland
• “Happiness is a Choice you Make” By John Leland

What’s Next?

Have you been able to practice gratitude during the pandemic? Share with us your unique stories of finding connection with others and practicing gratitude. Find us on Facebook and Instagram, or send us an email to info@seniorityauthority.org. Do you have any question on happiness that you’d like answered? Submit them online.