Research into Aging Reveals Important Lessons

Cornell University professor Karl Pillemer had seen studies indicating that many senior citizens were happier and better adjusted than people who were decades younger – in spite of varying degrees of chronic disease. He wanted to find out not only if these studies were accurate – but also why older persons were able to attain a level of contentment that eludes younger generations. His method was to get “up close and personal” by interviewing 1,500 individuals age 70 and older in what came to be known as The Cornell Legacy Project and later a book entitled 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans; New York: Viking, 2011
www.legacyproject.human.cornell.edu

Dr. Pillemer observes, “Up until 100 years ago, people wouldn’t think of going to anyone other than older people for advice. But we’ve lost that instinct.” That’s too bad because if there are secrets to navigating through life in a positive manner, these are the people who have discovered them. For example:

• On savoring the present moment: One respondent (April) observed: “This morning I smelled the rich Irish cream coffee brewing in my kitchen as my feet touched the chilled wood floor. I wrapped myself in my comfortable fleece bathrobe and bit into the warm, buttered wheat toast. To see, to hear, to smell, to touch with clarity and discernment – that is the poetry of living at each turn.” How many of us would have completely missed this sensual experience by focusing on our electronic device during this same breakfast?