. . . happiness is a key to improved physical function in aging adults Scientists already showed that aging adults who enjoy life live longer and suffer less illness. Now, a new study published last month in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) suggests happier seniors maintain better physical function as they age. Researchers at University College London analyzed eight years of data on 3,199 men and women who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants were separated into three age groups of 60-69, 70-79, and 80-years-old and above. Then, study investigators assessed overall happiness in life using participant surveys that rated their agreement with such statements as: I enjoy the things that I do I feel full of energy these days I enjoy being in the company of others On balance, I look back on my life with a sense of happiness Researchers compared responses to these questions with the participants’ abilities to perform daily ph…