The 5 traits of happy people

Researchers have identified the specific attitudes, lifestyle choices and personal traits that best contribute to both long life and long health. We call them the Fabulous Five.

On any given day, we all tend to be a bundle of emotions and moods, from angry to ecstatic and bored to bubbly. It's naive to think that we should all exist in a steady state of smiles. But happy people seem to have these five traits in common:

1. Resilience in response to life's changes and challenges.
2. A healthy, active social life.
3. The ability to prevent or manage depression.
4. Embracing some form of spirituality or higher purpose.
5. The skill to defuse the stresses of daily life.

• Research shows that people who exercise the Fabulous Five are far less susceptible to the diseases and breakdowns of aging.
• Better yet, they actually do seem more joyous, more purposeful and more active.
• It's no surprise that these positive psychological traits are deeply enmeshed in the cultures of long-lived people.

• On the Japanese island of Okinawa, home to the world's largest concentration of healthy, happy people over the age of 100, people embrace a "don't worry, be happy" philosophy of life called taygay.
• Essentially, taygay minimizes stress and protects people's emotions from life's slings and arrows.
• Okinawans also practice a deep, meditative spirituality that links them with their ancestors, their gods and the universe. They stay connected with friends, family and neighbours.
• Okinawan village life is based on the value of yuimaru, or mutual assistance.
• Friends, coworkers, or neighbours meet regularly in groups called moais. Here, everyone puts a little money into a pot, and whoever needs it most takes it home.
• Elder Okinawans are proud of their status and are revered by their communities — something Western cultures would do well to imitate.

• In Okinawa, there's no word for "retirement" and most older people don't feel lonely.
• The benefits of positive attitudes and practices like these don't manifest themselves in the distant future.
• Optimism, resilience, social activities and faith make today better. As revealed in Okinawa, they also make you more likely to enjoy life many years from now.
• The bottom line: If you think that living a healthy lifestyle is just about food and exercise, you're badly mistaken.
• Everyday attitudes are as important to your health, short and long term, as anything else you can do.
• Remember: Making change is easier than you think, if you go about it one small step at a time. You can improve your mind-set, your social life, and your direction.

The first step towards living longer is merely gathering enough courage and conviction to take a first step. The second one will follow much more easily.