Why Are We Happy in The Villages?
 

I am currently reading a book titled "Thrive - Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way" by Dan Buettner. In first glance, I would not think Belgians would be one of the happiest people on earth but they are. They have that bloody winter but they seem to cope with that. He writes that wealth, youth, beauty or intelligence has nothing to do with happiness and here in The Villages, that seems to be so in many respect. I think we are happy in The Villages because we have good neighbors to talk to who also happens to be good friends as well. We also can belong to various clubs to socialize in. Equality is a factor. Unlike when you are working no one asks what you did. We pay the same amenity fees and socialize together. Perhaps that you can move to The Villages means we did o.k. while we were working. Trust and Responsibility permeates here, though not always. For some people slowing down when they are behind the wheels seems a difficult thing to manage. Wonder if there other signs of happiness here.:)

I totally agree with much you have written, but my personal take on being happy here relates to : Not having to get up at some awful time to go to work, not having to put up with office politics, not having to fear the annual layoffs and wonder who is going and hoping it's not you, not having to wake up to a snow or ice storm and knowing you have to drive a major highway in that mess to get to work and so many other "not knowings". TV is a great relaxing way to live, people of all different backgrounds from which you can pick and chose, everything is close by, restaurants within easy distance, entertainment of every variety and so many other things which lead to a stress free life.

Would be utopia if the health system was better - can't have everything!

I have read several people say they don't care to know what someone did in the former lives, but I still find that fascinating information about someone. For instance I just learned of a neighbor that did interviews of potential candidates for the Naval Academy. Not only did this allow for an interesting discussion but I learned a lot about this neighbor and the academy process. What we did in the past is so much of who we all are today please excuse me if I meet you and ask that question.

As to your point - TV makes me happy because it is relatively stress free, very clean, beautiful and full of some wonderful people. A very easy place to live.

And I would add to that list not having to worry about your children now that they're all grown up and more mature, and you can enjoy them as companions and not charges whose well-being you're constantly worried about. (Except for my husband who never worries about anything!)

I think specific to The villages are the opportunities for socialization, and for learning. There are so many activities, we get to try new things and meet new people. That keeps us interested in life and engaged.

I am happy because I can play golf every day. I am happy because my wife is happy.

A lot to be happy about
 

I think people are happy because this place is so beautiful and clean. I have never seen so many seniors be so active as they are here. I always see people walking, jogging, playing pickleball and golfing. Florida, in general, lends itself to a very healthy way of life. How can you go wrong with all of the sunshine and activities? The warmer climate enables you to stay fit and live healthier. That means a longer life! This is a retirement community so there is no need to watch the clock anymore, get up for work, care for children or do anything that is stressful. You can sleep in and not stress over being on a time schedule. Everything about The Villages is geared to making life fun and easy. There are so many things that make people happy here. Did I mention that its easy to make friends? There aren't too many negative things I can say about living here.

We love it here because the population is at mostly positive. Yea, you will always have some old codgers with issues, but overall, this is the best of the best for retirement. We have been here three years and have witnessed more happiness in that time than in the rest of our years everyplace else combined.

Happiness AND joy are a decision...and a mindset!!! I've known folks who are suffering where most folks would crumble but to be in their presence is a privilege because of their countenance! I've seen folks who seem to have it all...money, a "station in life" and more...but they're the most miserable people and one wants to avoid them at all costs.

Bring that to living here! You will see that here as well. BUT in saying that I feel it's a privilege to live here! We've never looked back at any "what if's". We were tired of the northern winters and coming here was everything we dreamed about with retirement. We love the weather here, the people AND our neighborhood! It's all a blessing not to take for granted!!!!

wonderful post. We agree with you 100%:bigbow:

We're not even living there yet and I am happy just THINKING about The Villages. Can't wait to move next year!

I think it s because we have piped in music and lots of Happy hours. Don't pounce on me, it's a joke! I love our Village life.

I agree with all of the above. I've often said I wish someone would do a sociological study of The Villages. What a fantastic project that would be.

:bigbow::bigbow::BigApplause::agree::agree:

Well said.

Surrounding oneself with positive caring people is what TV is all about. Studies tend to show that one may live longer and living a stress free life helps.

It's a blessing to those that appreciate living life to the fullest!!!!