Lessons I’m Applying to My Parkinson’s From the World Happiness Report

Recently I was taking an online trivia quiz based on cultural diversity. One question was: "Where are the happiest people in the world?" To my surprise, the answer was Finland. I decided to learn more and see what I might be able to apply to my personal life with Parkinson's.

What is the World Happiness Report?

The report is done under the auspices of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Columbia University and Gallup are responsible for the survey which can be accessed online.

What made Finland unique was an emphasis on quality of life and helping others while appreciating the simplicity of the everyday. Below is a condensed version of the outcome of the survey and how I am trying to implement its results.

Live for yourself

The Finns show very little status anxiety. Not worrying about what others think you should do or have was an easy one for me.

Practice random acts of kindness

I can pay for the next person’s coffee. Complimenting a customer service agent for their service when navigating a complex online issue can make their day better. There are so many possibilities.

Be a good neighbor

The Finnish word talkoot means helping with a task that can’t be done alone. Think barn raising on a MUCH smaller scale! I can help a friend address a note if their writing is illegible. Think outside the box.

Savor your food

Be thankful for the food before you in a world where so many are food insecure. With PD, many of us have had to make drastic dietary changes but we can learn how to develop new favorites. I have never lost my sense of smell and taste with my PD. In Finland, diners enjoy the aromas and colors before taking a bite.

We are fortunate to have Melissa Halas, RDN submit many articles on this site providing nutritional information and some wonderful recipes. She addresses swallowing issues and other symptoms and foods to help with them. I have tried foods I never would have thought of based on her suggestions.

Another part of the enjoyment of the meal in Finland is to always have background music which is something my family has frequently done. Express gratitude to whoever prepared the meal you just enjoyed. My grandchildren never leave the table without saying thank you for dinner.

Revel in nature

Finland is a northern country with abundant forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife. The people spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying the 2 most popular past times, hiking and fishing.

My PD certainly limits my mobility, but I can sit on my deck in my wheelchair and watch the birds and enjoy our garden or go to our community pub which overlooks the golf course. Finding a secluded spot on the deck allows me to enjoy the deer, squirrels, and rabbits and wave to the occasional foursome passing by. If instead I choose to sit on the deck at the clubhouse, I can enjoy the tranquility of the lake.

Spend quiet time together

Be present with no distractions of TV, phones, etc. Just sitting in silence and enjoying the view is calming.

What I have discovered is that it takes very little to be happy in the moment. To paraphrase Walt Whitman, “Be happy in this place in this hour.”