New Study: Older People Are Happier

: Written by Chuck Guilford

According to an article at WebMD, two recently published sociological studies have concluded that older Americans are generally more content and satisfied with their lives than their younger counterparts. Also, older adults tend to be more socially interconnected than younger ones, a factor which researchers believe is related to their greater happiness. The studies suggest that stereotypes of seniors as lonely individuals wasting away in misery are flat out wrong. For instance, about 50% of 80 year olds reported being very happy, compared with about 24% of 18 to 20 year olds. The least-happy group? Baby boomers.

NY Times Retirement Section

: Written by Chuck Guilford

The New York Times is currently featuring a special Retirement Section with several articles focused mainly on economic issues but also containing links to health articles such as the excellent "Zen and the Art of Coping With Altzheimer's" and lifestyle pieces such as "Whatever You Do, Call It Work."

Better Cognitive Health

: Written by Chuck Guilford

According to a news release by the National Institute of Aging, a recent study supported by the National National Institute of Aging (which is part of the National Institutes of Health) and Harvard University found that cognitive health among older Americans improved between 1993 and 2002. "These data suggest that we may be experiencing a shift in the cognitive health of older Americans," said Richard J. Hodes, M.D., director of the National Institute on Aging.

The results were attributed to such factors as improved treatments for stroke, heart disease, and vascular conditions, as well as to higher levels of education, which may help provide a reserve capacity for people suffering cognitive impairment.

Longevity: Pros & Cons

: Written by Chuck Guilford

Now that we're learning how to extend our healthy, active years beyond previously accepted limits, new questions arise about how this change will impact individuals, family members, and society as whole.

Read about it in "Living Longer: The Pros and Cons of Aging" from ABC News. And while you're there, watch the video on "Laughter and Longevity."