Studies of the happiest and healthiest 70 year olds found that they displayed 6 characteristics:
- mature adaptive skills (e.g. deals with problems, optimistic, open, as happy now as ever);
- a warm partner relationship; strong relationships with children;
- avoided alcoholism; obesity; gambling (Vaillant, 2013).
When you see the actual statistics, its significant.
How happy will you be at 70? Most of us have one measure – the size of our Super. – as if “whatever happens after retirement, my Super will guarantee my happiness”.
This one idea runs against all our life lessons, but at the end of our careers we cross our fingers and hope.
If you were to set a goal, what else could you name that you take for granted? To live longer? And happier?
We’re a long time retired these days. What’s happy? Sitting on the sofa?
Test yourself right now. What does your future ‘maturity’ look like for you? Give each factor above (the 6 characteristics) a 1-10 scale, and rate yourself. Add up the score – total to a possible 60 points.
What does it mean? Try the eyeball outcomes test…
Find the lowest score, and set a goal.
Find one that bothers you, and step back – why isn’t it better?
The only goal you need is the one you’re interested in solving.
