J Happy-Well people, who are physically healthy and satisfied with their life.

K Sad-Sick people, who don’t seem to enjoy life.

n The ability to cope with stress and crisis. Crisis, stress and challenges are part of life. People who learn early how to roll with the punches and have better coping skills are happier in their later years. As people age, they need to develop mature coping skills; for instance, having a sense of humor, making friends of all ages and helping others.

n Not smoking. The study showed that people who don’t smoke have better health than people who smoke. Heavy smokers were 10 times more prevalent among the Sad-Sick people than the Happy-Well people.

n Absence of alcohol abuse. Alcohol can damage physical, emotional and mental health. Alcoholism can also destroy family and marital relationships, which affect health and quality of life .

n Healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Obesity is a risk factor for poor health.

n A healthy marriage. A healthy marriage contributes to better emotional, physical, mental and psychological well-being as well as a long and happy life. The Sad-Sick people were six times less likely to be in good marriages than Happy-Well people.

n Physical activity. Physical activity is one of the most important steps older adults can take to maintain physical and mental health and quality of life. The Happy-Well did some type of regular exercise.