Meg Selig

The Key to Happiness? Source: Public domain photo, CC01 “Older people are happier people.” This statement, which summarizes the results of numerous surveys and polls of people from 149 countries, was astonishing to me when I first read it. Possibly because of my own internalized stereotypes about aging, I found it hard to believe that older people were happier than younger or middle-aged people. But, according to multiple studies, it was true. In fact, it was true of me.

The prairie trail behind the hospital Source: Author's collection Two years ago, my longtime romantic partner Brian was diagnosed with leukemia. At first, our life together was much like it had always been. But eventually he became too weak to drive himself to his various appointments, including to the hospital for his regular blood transfusions. I gradually became his chauffeur, chef, medication technician, and general organizer, amid multiple other responsibilities.