Ten Things Science Says Will Make You Happy

What makes people happy? Here are 10 actions, strategies, habits uncovered and recommended by researchers who have studied people all over the world.

The Older You Get, the Farther Out "Old Age" Gets

Have you noticed that the teenagers you know consider "old age" to be a lot younger age than you do? A recent survey of about 3,000 people, ages 18 and older, found that the older people were, the later they viewed old age to be and the younger they felt, in terms of number of years, compared with their biological age. Read about the survey and listen to the audio clips of some of the interviewees.

Do You Have "Boomeritis"?

: Written by Chuck Guilford

As people over 45 try to stay — or get — in shape, they run the danger of overdoing it and injuring themselves according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Yes, exercise is good for us, but we need to pay heed to our bodies' needs for recovery time and variety. Mix it up. Alternate strength training and aerobic activity. Include some yoga or other stretching. For more suggestions on successful fitness routines see "'Boomeritis': a condition that may impact you."

Exploring Co-housing Alternatives

: Written by Chuck Guilford

If you are looking for a living community that balances individual freedom with shared commitments and values, you might want to investigate the co-housing model, as described in the the New York Times article "To Your Left, a Better Way of Life?" To learn more, visit the Website of the Co-housing Association. While many co-housing communities are not specifically intended for seniors, most are intergenerational, and a growing number — such as Silver Sage in Boulder, Colorado, and Elder Spirit in Abingdon, Virginia — require members to be at least 55.