Golden years are good years

For as much as people complain about their aches and pains, a new study has shown that — contrary to conventional wisdom — the twilight years are actually pretty sunny.

The study was the brainchild of Yang Yang, a University of Chicago sociologist. His findings show that even though pain and loss may increase for seniors, they are more content with less and are able to find a perspective that makes them feel fortunate. Seniors have lower expectations and no longer over-reach for fame and fortune. They no longer have high hopes of playing baseball for the Yankees. Just breaking 90 on the golf course is enough to bring a smile.

The study involved 28,000 American citizens over a 32-year span. By the numbers, the odds of feeling happy increased 5 percent with each passing decade. A third of Americans reported feeling happy at age 88. Only 24 percent of people in their teens and early 20s felt that way.

One reason is that most oldsters tend to remain social. They attended church, volunteer in the community, go dancing and get together with friends and family.

The cloud on the horizon is for the younger generation. They are less involved in community activities and their social circles aren't as diverse. Baby boomers, especially, tote around feelings of discontent. One reason, according to researchers, is boomers aren't quite as willing to give up on their idealistic dreams and embrace reality. They still hold out for accomplishing all they wished to accomplish.

Middle age also takes its toll on the nerves. People feel pushed and pulled by responsibilities and duties not of their making. But, if people can work their way through those harried years, clear skies and smooth sailing may well await them.

In the end, the image of the lonely and lost old man and old woman is indeed a reality. But it's just not as much a part of the equation as popular wisdom has led people to believe.

And that should be enough to make anyone smile — even the angst-ridden boomers.