Pursuing a Long, Happy Life

I’m writing this on the eve of my 42nd birthday. In the past week, I have been offered a senior discount by a disgruntled 19-year-old, been called a young person by a 75-year-old and been referred to as a baby by a 93-year-old. 

We are living longer, and statistics say that I will live into my 80s. But I don’t just want to live a long time; I want to be healthy and happy as I age. I guess I want to have my birthday pie, and eat it too.

According to a publication called "Successful Aging," based on a study by Drs. George E. Vaillant and Kenneth Mukamal of the Harvard Medical School’s Laboratory of Adult Development, there are specific factors that can predict a healthy and happy long life. Some of those factors are largely in our control: maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, attaining an increased level of education, avoiding abuse of alcohol and cigarettes and having happy relationships and healthy coping mechanisms.

I also took a look at the website bluezones.com. This is a website featuring ideas from the best-selling book The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. The author studied areas on our planet where people live the longest, happiest lives. The book examines what factors are common among the various “zones” of longevity.

There are two tools on the Blue Zones website to help you predict how long and happy you can expect your life to be. The Vitality Compass and the True Happiness Compass are based your current lifestyle, and they each give personalized recommendations for how you can prolong your life and live a more joyful life.

Here are the lifestyle characteristics that The Blue Zones says can add 10 happy, healthy years to our lives, and some possible resources for them that I came up with:

Burn more calories. They recommend doing this by walking more and burning calories in everyday tasks; for example, by using power tools less often and doing things the old-fashioned way. You could also sign up for an exercise class at the , or join a local gym like .

Know your purpose in life. Have a good understanding of your values, passions and talents and use them regularly. Taking continuing education classes at the or the is one way to develop your talents and learn more about topics you are passionate about.

Manage Stress. is one way to do this. Walking, knitting and meditating are other ways. Do what works for you.

Eat 20 percent less and eat a mostly plant-based diet. 

Drink wine regularly, but it must be done in moderation and preferably with food and friends. , , and all have large selections.

Make family a priority and nurture your family relationships. Spend more time with your kids. The  in the Brecksville Reservation has a calendar of family friendly programs and events.

Have a positive and happy, health-conscious circle of friends. Local churches are one way to join a positive-minded community.

Buettner says that genes only determine about 25 percent of our longevity: the rest is up to us and the lifestyle that we choose. 

I’m going to try to make the best of my 75 percent. Right after I finish this big piece of pie.