... a blog of spirituality, events, and insights with an interfaith perspective
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Buddhism, Ageing and Acceptance
Acceptance Of What Can't Be Changed
Is Key To Satisfaction In Later Life, Research Shows
The Huffington Post | By Carolyn GregoirePosted: 07/12/2013 12:11 pm EDT | Updated: 07/12/2013 5:35 pm EDT
Buddhist teachings on happiness have long held thatacceptingthat which cannot be changed or controlled is key to reducing suffering. Now, this ancient doctrine has science on its side: Anew studyhas found that during the difficult changes of later life -- moving into residential care and losing a certain level of independence -- an acceptance of what can't be changed is a major predictor of life satisfaction.
Researchers at Deakin University in Australia found that when it comes to life satisfaction in one's later years, the ability to accept what cannot be changed is equally important to the feeling of being able to exert control over one's life.
Buddhist teachings on happiness have long held that accepting that which cannot be changed or controlled is key to reducing suffering. Now, this ancient doctrine has science on its side: A new study has found that during the difficult changes of later life -- moving into residential care and losing a certain level of independence -- an acceptance of what can't be changed is a major predictor of life satisfaction.