A 101-year-old’s advice on how to find happiness
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At the wise age of 101, Paul Snyder’s advice for lasting happiness is simple: Never stop making friends.
“At 101, most of your close friends have gone by,” Snyder, who has lived in the same home since 1951, told The Washington Post. “But you can keep making new ones.” Snyder added that he strives to make friends wherever he goes.
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In today’s digital world, humans have never been more connected, but that doesn't mean life can’t feel lonely and without meaning at times.
A recent Meta-Gallup survey that included over 140 countries found that 1 in 4 people worldwide feel lonely, which is more than 1 billion of the world's population.
In May of this year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy deemed loneliness as an epidemic: “We have seen that technology has fundamentally changed how we interact with one another and how we communicate with one another and, unfortunately, has often replaced what used to be rich in-person connections with online connections, which often are of lower quality,” Murthy told PBS.
With two sons across the country and a wife who died in 2005, Snyder could have easily lived out the rest of his life in isolation, but instead, he believes, “You just got to look at the bright side. ... If you have a problem, deal with that problem. But don’t let the problem deal you.”
Happiness is not a given and can vary from person to person due to individual experiences, values and circumstances. But there are many universally accepted principles to guide us toward a continuously fulfilling and happy life.
Check-in on yourself
Self-awareness is essential to a person’s happiness. Knowing who you are and what you want in life increases your happiness tenfold.
“With self-awareness, you can design your life around what brings the most meaning and purpose to you,” according to Insideout Mastery. “And that helps you to find joy in the process and enables you to live up to your full potential. That’s why self-awareness is important if you want more success and happiness.”
Spend time understanding who you are, what you value and what you desire in life. Self-reflection can help clarify your goals and motivations.
Show gratitude
When we focus on what we have rather than what we don't, our perspective on life will be happier. The Mayo Clinic said that expressing gratitude has benefits for both physical and mental health: “Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease.”
Adding that, “Your brain is designed to problem-solve rather than appreciate. You often must override this design to reap the benefits of gratitude.”
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Nurture your relationships
Authentic, deep connections with loved ones often bring an abundance of happiness.
Snyder gives credit to his two sons as part of the reason for making it as far as he has in life. “He tries to fill his days with friends and family, and although his sons don’t live nearby, they have a standing three-way FaceTime call on Tuesdays and Fridays,” per The Washington Post.
According to Medium, you should never underestimate the power of lasting relationships, “They provide us with a sense of belonging and identity, a safe space to express our feelings, and a source of comfort and support during difficult times. By nurturing our relationships, we can help to promote our mental health and overall wellbeing.”
Find a purpose
Find something you’re passionate about. Whether it’s work, a hobby or volunteering, having a sense of purpose can provide direction and fulfillment.
If you feel that how you are spending your time gives you purpose, that’s reason enough to get up every morning and keep going. It doesn’t have to be grand like working at NASA or being a bull-rider, to bring you happiness.
When you have a purpose, “You feel like the work you do matters to someone, and your small part of something has meaning — and you’re empowered to act. ... To find happiness with purpose, consider what matters in the bigger picture and how your role can make a difference to others,” per Forbes.
Happiness is a journey, not a destination, and it’s normal to have ups and downs. The key is to be proactive in understanding yourself, embracing life’s challenges and seeking joy in the everyday moments.
