As we age, many of us become preoccupied with what it means to be happy in our later years. Approaching our 80s, we realize we may only have a few decades left to live.

So, we ask ourselves, what is the key to happiness in our 80s? After years of research, the answer is much simpler than you may think- it comes down to one question.

What is the Question?

The question is: Who do you surround yourself with?.

Research has found that the key to happiness in our 80s and beyond is having strong relationships with loved ones and a sense of community. Having people to rely on and spend time with in our later years is essential to creating a fulfilling life.

Therefore, the individuals we surround ourselves with play a critical role in our overall happiness.

Surrounding Yourself with Positive Relationships

Positive relationships do not necessarily mean perfect or easy ones. But, it is important to develop and maintain relationships that promote happiness and well-being. Surrounding yourself with positive relationships means:.

Having loved ones who support you when you need it, but can also provide constructive feedback
Surrounding yourself with people who share common interests and values
Building relationships with individuals who make you feel heard and valued
Creating relationships built on mutual respect and trust
Having individuals in your life that you can rely on and who you look forward to spending time with

Positive relationships do not necessarily need to be romantic or familial. Often, building fulfilling relationships with friends, neighbors, and members of your community can provide just as much happiness and support.

Fostering Positive Relationships as You Age

As we age, it may become more challenging to build new relationships or stay connected with loved ones.

However, by taking proactive measures to foster positive relationships, we can maintain and build on the relationships we already have while developing new connections. Some ways to foster positive relationships include:.

Joining local groups or clubs based on interests, such as book clubs or gardening groups
Taking classes or attending workshops that promote lifelong learning and new experiences
Volunteering with organizations that share your values and interests
Participating in community events and activities
Reaching out to old friends or family members you haven’t spoken to in a while

Fostering positive relationships does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. Instead, it’s about taking small steps to stay connected with loved ones and building new connections along the way.

The Importance of Community as You Age

In addition to building positive relationships with individuals, it’s important to seek out a sense of community as you age. Community can provide a sense of belonging and connection that is essential to our overall happiness and well-being.

A strong community can also provide the following benefits:.

Access to resources and support that can improve daily life
Opportunities to give back and make a difference in the world
A sense of purpose and meaning
Reduces isolation and loneliness
Shared experiences and new memories

Building a sense of community can be done in a variety of ways. Some ways to do this include:.

Participating in community events and activities
Joining local organizations or clubs
Volunteering with organizations that serve the community
Attending faith-based services
Participating in a senior center or other organization that serves older adults

No matter how you choose to build a sense of community in your later years, the key is to find activities and groups that bring joy and connection to your life.

In Conclusion

The key to happiness in your 80s and beyond comes down to one critical question: Who do you surround yourself with? Building and maintaining positive relationships with loved ones and a sense of community is essential to creating a fulfilling life in our later years. By taking proactive steps to stay connected with those around us, we can find happiness and joy as we continue to age.