The Many Faces of Happiness
Dear Caregivers,
It appears that we here in the U.S. aren’t very happy, at least compared to the rest of the world. The 2026 World Happiness Report came out recently, and our nation ranked number 23, behind countries such as Costa Rica, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Saudi Arabia.
The Report notes that one of the reasons that the U.S. ranking is so low is because, sadly, young people such as Gen Zs and Millennials report that they are less happy because of the excessive amount of time they spend on digital devices. People over 60, on the other hand, say that they are very happy, and if this group were the only ones counted, the U.S. would be in the top ten globally.
For a caregiver of a loved one affected by Alzheimer's, the entire idea of happiness is complex. There is the "feeling good” sense of the word, such as when you are taking a warm bath or eating a yummy treat. For a caregiver those moments of happiness can be harder to come by. On the other hand, there is the "well-being" sense of happiness that is tied more to one’s sense of purpose and having a life worth living. This is the kind of happiness I wish for you and all family caregivers.
Here are some more resources about maintaining your well-being:
Conflict Resolution:
Conflict resolution among family members is essential because when family dynamics are strained, it can hinder the effectiveness of caregiving and support. The goal of resolving conflict is to foster understanding, empathy, and cooperation, ultimately benefiting everyone involved. Here is an overview and tips for achieving harmony.
Caregiver Guilt:
Feelings of guilt are normal for caregivers, yet they are difficult to process. Recognizing and understanding the source of the guilt is the first step towards finding a way to cope with these feelings. Here are some of the more common reasons caregivers give for feeling guilty, and strategies for coping.
Finding the Joy as a Family Caregiver:
The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“I think happiness is overrated. Satisfied, at peace—those would be more realistic goals."
— Brad Pitt
