Did you know there’s an entire field of science dedicated to measuring and increasing our happiness? Now that there’s nearly 100 years’ worth of research into the topic, psychologists are confident that they have cracked the code on finding what makes us happy.
It simply comes down to the company you keep. Happy people, on average, spend less time alone than unhappy people, and those who were more socially engaged and focused on seeking community were consistently happier. Additionally, those committed to self-betterment were happier as a result of challenging themselves to grow.
In truth, these scientists could have saved themselves a great deal of time if they first spoke to Lance, who has been attending our daytime senior care program since 2022. “I have tried other social programs, and this one is great,” says Lance, placing extra emphasis on that final word.
That word became a running theme – he went on to talk about “a great sense of humor among the staff”, “great” programming (especially the violinist that performs regularly), “great” drivers, and a “great” pet therapy program.
As a 74-year-old with no significant physical needs and no dementia, Lance may not be the first person you’d think of if you were asked to imagine who attends our Monroe Adult Day Center. For him, this program is lifesaving in a different way. As someone who lives with anxiety and depression, this program provides community.
After experiencing hardships and tragedy which left him feeling “completely closed off to the world”, Lance became intensely focused on self-betterment. He began receiving behavioral health care and joined a state program (SERV) which empowers him to continue living independently.
He also knew he needed to be in positive and supportive environments. Ever since he landed at Parker, it’s been a match made in heaven.
“The worst thing we can do is isolate ourselves,” explains Lance. “A lot of my needs are met here. Everything fell into place and I’m very happy about that.”
If you’d like to learn more about Parker’s Daytime Senior Care at Monroe or any of our other services, please contact us at 732.902.4200 or visit us online at parkerlife.org.
