Older people are as happy as younger people. While they must make accommodations for age, seniors often report serene satisfaction with their life.

Mr. Nelson, as he is known, is a familiar fixture in his South Florida neighborhood. You always see him in his garden or taking his daily afternoon bicycle ride. He seems to be friends with everyone and always has a story to tell when you stop to talk to him.

If you ask him, he'll tell you that he has a cherished routine that fills his day with activities he enjoys. Mr. Nelson is ninety years old.

Far from regretting his age, he revels in it. He feels the wisdom of his years, and instead of facing the responsibilities that younger people with jobs have, he has little to worry about.

When people ask him about his age, he smiles and says, "I'm old, yes, but consider the alternative."

Surveys and an analysis of previous studies show that age is simply unrelated to levels of personal happiness. (Kehn 1995)

Excerpt from 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People by David Niven, Ph.D.