Happiness and aging in the US: A study by the Brookings Institution

@johnbishop,

I really enjoyed the article on volunteering, John. Since I've been retired, volunteering has been a major activity for me. I volunteer with an organization that tries to help domestic violence victims and an organization that provides free legal advice for those who can't afford an attorney. I also volunteer with my church.

Volunteering helps the volunteer by taking their minds off of themselves and offers a valuable service for those who need extra help. I agree with @gingerw about the "feel good vibes" that come with volunteering. There is nothing like it!

@hopeful33250 @gingerw - I definitely feel the same way about volunteering. It has been a big help for me also.

i don't volunteer anymore, ever since covid and the loss of my car. but i loved it very much and found it to be a social outlet for me besides helping the clients . now i have a bunch of medical problems that keep me from going back there. i miss it greatly.

Before stage 5 ckd, I volunteered a lot and my favorite thing to do was take a woman who was mostly bed ridden to Creighton games, out to lunch, and to church. I also have taught swimming, taught people in many fun ways who otherwise would not have had training. It always pumped me up to be an encourager and to uplift.

Hello all! I happened across an interesting article today on the lasting, positive impacts of what these researchers call 'blue time' -- or time spent by bodies of water. I found it interesting as I do find it true in our family's case.
https://neurosciencenews.com/bluespace-well-being-21606/
What do others think?

Strength, Courage, & Peace

@IndianaScott You're right, an interesting article!

I recall fondly time spent near the ocean growing up, and even later in life. For the last 3+ years I have lived about 4 hours away from the ocean, and miss being able to simply jump in the car and head out! Sure, there is a reservoir nearby, about a half hour, but it's not the same. I wonder if there is any research done regarding fresh water versus salt water?
Ginger

This is just wonderful! I a booking a flight right now to the Caribbean!

It doesn't take a lot of water to make me happy. The little 4x8 pond in our back yard, surrounded by plants & rocks, with the splashing fountain, is my happy place whenever the weather permits. And even that small space draws birds, butterflies, bees, and small mammals...
Sue