How to Worry Less: Tips from the Oldest (and Wisest) Americans

Over the course of six years, I’ve conducted studies designed to tap the practical wisdom for living of the oldest Americans. Using a nationally representative survey and in-depth interviews, I invited older people (mostly age 70 and above) to tell me what younger people should do – and not do – to live happier and more fulfilling lives.

I especially loved it when the elders were definitive. In some domains of life, they sometimes responded:  “On the one hand… but on the other hand…” In other cases, however, they were definitive and unequivocal.

So it was when we asked over 1200 elders what they would recommend to younger people looking for ways to make the most of their lives. Many focused on this single action: Read the Rest of This Article »