1. < Aging Well

Happiness for Old Folks

Posted by edsutton @edsutton, Oct 12 10:12am

Lately I’ve been thinking about the value of happiness as we age.
Neuroscientists say that we don’t ever have “objective” thoughts separate from underlying feelings. We often don’t realize how those feelings are shaping our thoughts, and then those thoughts loop back to re-enforce those feelings.
As we age, our bodies may honestly not always feel so good, increasing the likelihood that those underlying feelings may be moving our thoughts in a negative direction.
And things happening around us may also be triggering fears, worries and negative feelings.

But the other side of this is that good feelings can encourage positive thoughts, and a deeper sense that we can handle this life.

So, I’ve been noticing and thinking about happiness.

Happiness is a feeling, a very pleasant feeling.
Do we need a reason to justify feeling happy?
How about the real fact that happiness feels good, and empowers us to do and live better? Happiness helps us enjoy taking care of ourselves.

Here’s a little story:
I was heading out for a walk with Hazel, my wonderful hound.
The air was cool and the sunlight was gentle and warm.
I felt very happy.
Then out of the house came our grumpy neighbors.
I don’t enjoy them and they don’t enjoy me, and their non-response to a friendly hello communicates that.
I felt my happiness fading.
But just in time I caught my mood change and decided to refocus on my happy feelings.
Bingo!
Not only was I happy again about the cool air and warm sun and beautiful dog, I was also happy about my happiness!

So I think this is a skill for old folks (and all folks) to learn.
Can I feel grateful and happy just because I can feel happy?
Can I learn intentional happiness?
How does my body feel happy?
-Relaxed, easy smile
-Shoulders and chest relaxed
-Breathing feels smooth and full
-The ground feels firm and friendly under my feet
-What new feelings can I feel?

So, that’s my theory about happiness.

What do you think?
What stories can you share?
I look forward to some great responses!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

gloaming | @gloaming | Oct 19 3:26am
In reply to @frances007 "Anyone have a catchy name for a new dog. My last dog was Ducky, the name..." + (show)
@frances007

Anyone have a catchy name for a new dog. My last dog was Ducky, the name given by the SPCA. I don't want anything like Reese, Sparky....you get the idea. It would be a female dog. I had a cat once, Teddy, how does that sound? My partner refused to give her to me when I fled, and the cat had been a gift, a beautiful Maine Coon that slept on my head, and Ducky at my feet. LOL

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Merope (mare oh pee)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merope_(Pleiad)

REPLY
Judyinjeans. | @judyingenes | Oct 19 5:48am
In reply to @frances007 "Anyone have a catchy name for a new dog. My last dog was Ducky, the name..." + (show)
@frances007

Anyone have a catchy name for a new dog. My last dog was Ducky, the name given by the SPCA. I don't want anything like Reese, Sparky....you get the idea. It would be a female dog. I had a cat once, Teddy, how does that sound? My partner refused to give her to me when I fled, and the cat had been a gift, a beautiful Maine Coon that slept on my head, and Ducky at my feet. LOL

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Hi Frances...I like your new topic but I think it deserves a column of it's own and probably a Mod will move it...
----
As far as a catchy, well unusual name I guess: My Mom said when she was young they all wanted a dog and ALL wanted different names for it. So for quite a while it was called TD for The Dog until they could decide. Well the story goes, they waited too long and the sweet pup got used to being call TD and so that ended up being his name. But to make it a "Real" name they spelled it Teedee

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1 reply
Funcountess | @funcountess | Oct 19 9:30am

I also have a grumpy neighbor. I just ignore them. They are also disrespectful.
I feel happiest when I can help another person. They may not have answers to their problems, and I may of experienced some of the answers they are looking for.

REPLY
frances007 | @frances007 | Oct 19 10:45am
In reply to @judyingenes "Hi Frances...I like your new topic but I think it deserves a column of it's own..." + (show)
@judyingenes

Hi Frances...I like your new topic but I think it deserves a column of it's own and probably a Mod will move it...
----
As far as a catchy, well unusual name I guess: My Mom said when she was young they all wanted a dog and ALL wanted different names for it. So for quite a while it was called TD for The Dog until they could decide. Well the story goes, they waited too long and the sweet pup got used to being call TD and so that ended up being his name. But to make it a "Real" name they spelled it Teedee

Jump to this post

in reply to @judyingenes I love it! TD. And if anyone asks, I can always come up with a different "name." You know, The Dominatrix, The Damsel, The Dear......you have me onto something and I am getting more excited about the possibility of having a new "friend." A friend who will be all mine. Thanks again

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edsutton | @edsutton | Oct 19 11:19am

This morning on our walk Hazel was especially enchanted by odors drifting in the air. I mirrored her enjoyment of the cool air.
At home I remembered the essential oil bottles I keep on my desk and had deep sniffs of Vanilla Pomegranate.
Smiles!

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1 reply
crn | @crn | Oct 20 9:21am

Intentional happiness…a wonderful sentiment! Thank you so much for sharing your insight! I struggle with intentional eating but I’m thinking if I concentrate more on happiness, better eating habits may follow!

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Doris Jeanne W. | @dorisjeanne | Oct 20 1:17pm
In reply to @edsutton "This morning on our walk Hazel was especially enchanted by odors drifting in the air. I..." + (show)
@edsutton

This morning on our walk Hazel was especially enchanted by odors drifting in the air. I mirrored her enjoyment of the cool air.
At home I remembered the essential oil bottles I keep on my desk and had deep sniffs of Vanilla Pomegranate.
Smiles!

Jump to this post

One of the results of having 2 strokes was a loss of sense of smell! Now, after about 18 months, I'm beginning to get back a little. I lost 30 lbs. and also my appetite for awhile (which was due to loss of smell). Appetite is coming back also. Just hope the 30 lbs. don't come back!!!

REPLY
itchyd | @itchyd | Oct 20 2:31pm
In reply to @frances007 "Anyone have a catchy name for a new dog. My last dog was Ducky, the name..." + (show)
@frances007

Anyone have a catchy name for a new dog. My last dog was Ducky, the name given by the SPCA. I don't want anything like Reese, Sparky....you get the idea. It would be a female dog. I had a cat once, Teddy, how does that sound? My partner refused to give her to me when I fled, and the cat had been a gift, a beautiful Maine Coon that slept on my head, and Ducky at my feet. LOL

Jump to this post

My 1st choice for a new dog's name would be "Sit".

My 2nd choice would be "Stay".

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