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Life is full of little pleasures. From the first snowfall of the season to the last bite of our favorite dessert, these moments give our days a little more sparkle.
But some things go even deeper, making life not just enjoyable, but meaningful.
Recently, Pew Research Center surveyed nearly 19,000 adults from 17 advanced economies and asked them what brings meaning to their lives. Following are the categories cited by the greatest number of respondents.
1. Nature and the outdoors
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Respondents who mention this: 5%
Anyone who has sighed at a sunset or marveled at a flock of geese honking overhead knows that nature opens a window on the wonder of life. Soaking up such moments clearly gives life more meaning.
With winter now arriving in many places, you may need extra motivation to get your daily dose of time outdoors. But bundling up and heading outside pays off, as we note in “5 Surprising Benefits of Exercising Outdoors in Winter.”
2. Education and learning
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Respondents who mention this: 5%
As the Greek philosopher Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Challenging our minds and discovering more about our world imbues it with meaning.
Opportunities to learn abound — you’ll find them everywhere, from your local university to the nearest library or your laptop computer. For more, check out:
3. Hobbies and recreation
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Respondents who mention this: 10%
Life can be a drag if you never have any fun. So, it’s no surprise that people look to their hobbies and recreation opportunities as a way to bring more zest to their lives.
In fact, taking up new interests well into your senior years can pay big dividends. As we have reported:
“A 2020 study found that individuals between ages 60 and 80 had improved memory after playing a 3D Super Mario game for roughly half an hour daily over a month-long period.”
4. Freedom and independence
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Respondents who mention this: 12%
The joy of adulthood is being able to do what you want when you prefer to do it. That is true no matter where you live, but the sentiment is especially common in America, where we have placed a premium on freedom for hundreds of years.
Unfortunately, the aging process can rob us of some of that treasured independence. To lower the risk of experiencing this fate, read “8 Essential Home Features for Aging in Place.”
5. …….
Source: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/10-things-that-make-our-lives-meaningful/