The Gallop survey indicated that seniors who spend much of their time socializing are more likely than their others to report a high level of happiness. The more time Americans spend socially with family and friends, the more likely they are to report enjoyment and happiness in their lives without a lot of stress and worry.

It’s this a great argument for considering retirement communities for our loved ones? And for retirement community to work on the social dimension of Wellness?

Researchers found that the feeling of emotional wellbeing rises sharply after age 60, but this increase is not a result of retirement. Both those 60 and older working full time, at 61 percent, and those out of the workforce, at 63 percent, reported similar levels of happiness.

The perception of happiness was affected by the amount of social interaction. About 72 percent of participants aged 65 and older who reported engaging in social activity six hours a day described a high level of enjoyment and happiness. Only 44 percent of those 65 and older who reported zero hours of social time described the same emotional wellbeing.

The rest of the poll and more interesting information can be found here:

http://www.gallup.com/poll/151457/Seniors-Maintain-Happiness-Highs-Less-Social-Time.aspx