Joy in the Third Third of Life
The Dick Van Dyke Show was “must see” TV for me growing up in the 60’s. Recently Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday. He attributes his longevity to keeping a positive outlook and never getting angry. There is a growing amount of research that supports Van Dyke’s theory.
Numerous studies have shown that keeping stress levels low and maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook are correlated with longevity.
- A UK study found that people who were more optimistic lived between 11% and 15% longer than their pessimistic counterparts.
- In 2022, a study that looked at around 160,000 women from a range of ethnic backgrounds found that those who reported being more optimistic were more likely to live into their 90s compared to pessimists.
One potential explanation for these outcomes is related to the effects anger has on our hearts. People who tend to have a more positive or optimistic outlook on life appear to be better at managing or controlling their anger. This is important, as anger can have a number of significant effects on the body.
Dr. Kelly Burnight uses Dick Van Dyke as an example in her book Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half. Her argument is that we should pay attention not only to our lifespan (how many years we live) and to our healthspan (the number of years we live with good health), but, also, to our joyspan (how many years we enjoy living). From research she has identified four keys to joyspan – grow, connect, adapt, and give. In Van Dyke’s case she has identified the following ways this has played out in his life:
- Grow – at age 91 Van Dyke performed in “Mary Poppins Returns” even dancing on a table “much more carefully this time.”
- Connect – Van Dyke maintains close relationships with his four children as well as his “friends from work” such as Julie Andrews.
- Adapt – Throughout his life he has been open about his challenges including struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health. His 2011 autobiography reflects both resilience and gratitude.
- Give – Van Dyke’s acappella group performs frequently at benefits to raise funds for children’s programs and community initiatives to address homelessness.
How would you fill in this joyspan grid for your life? In what ways are you growing, connecting, adapting, and giving? If Dick Van Dyke and Kelly Burnight are right, our lives will be more joyful if we give attention to these four areas.
We’ll have the opportunity to think more about this theme of joy in our spring/summer sermon series in the Book of Philippians that begins on April 26. Joy is a key idea in Philippians.
Seeking to be joyful with you in the third third of life,
Steve McLean, Pastoral Fellow
