I am happier at been retired and receiving benefits on a monthly basis for the rest of my life, and that is a boon to feeling secure and free to do whatever fascinates, as I now have my free time to learn,to write, to engage in activites that I like and not have to conform to what another deems suitable for me.
Here in a seniors apartment block many seem to have given up interests, learning, and so on and become complacent and not looking after there appearance and so on.
These people are showing on the outside what they feel on the inside..lost or depressed or whatever but surprisingly not happier?
Ones outlook on life is a big factor in old age and if one starts retirement with a defeatist attitude then its all downhill from there for them.
I often wonder if those ones had too good of a life that they take it for granted?
Barring illness and dealing with long term problems would make one feel this way but hope is always there and to make the best of what one is delt with at least will bolster there mental health better.
Mental health is more important in late life and having a positive outlook regardless of circumstances would vastly help.
I suppose take one day at a time and welcome each day with gratitude for having this life in the present.
Bottom line, Yes Iam happier,stable,healthy,interested in learning new things always, helpful when I can and polite to others as well as compassionate and understanding.