Experts say you should follow this advice to ease stress

Are you happy? Happiness — laughing with loved ones, a purpose in life, something to look forward to — is a factor in whether a person will live a healthy and long life, experts say.

- Michelle Marchante, Tribune News Service

Eating healthy, sleeping well and staying active — critical lifestyle changes that can promote healthy aging — are easier to track. But happiness can be difficult to measure, and at times, difficult to feel. "How do you feel happy if you're dealing with dementia? How do you feel happy if you're a caregiver? How do you feel happy if you're unhoused and dealing with multiple chronic conditions? It's a real challenge," said Joy Siegel, a professor at Nova Southeastern University. Siegel is also a board member of the private not-for-profit Alliance for Aging. The organisation provides resources and services to seniors, their families and caregivers in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.