From ScienceDaily.com, Researchers Identify Secrets to Happiness, Depression Among Oldest of Old. Quick summary: To be happy later, try more happiness now.
While there was no indication that resources affect happiness, past life satisfaction — even individual achievements — was found to have a direct association.
Because of their results, the researchers urge caregivers of the elderly to implement programs — including reminiscence therapy and structured life review sessions — to foster feelings of happiness among very old populations.
“You can be not overly satisfied with your overall current capacity and physical well-being, but you can still be a very happy person because there’s a lot you can contribute just by sharing some of the things that nobody knew because it was 80 or 90 years ago.”