Why Millennials, Gen X, and Retiring Boomers Need to Find Their 'Happy Place'

by Adam Felts

AgeLab Director Joseph Coughlin writes in Forbes on the importance of "third places" - locales like pubs, libraries, bowling alleys, and churches - for our social wellbeing, both in younger and older age. He writes:

"First a pint. Then a round, or two, or a few – add an order of fish & chips – and you have the makings of a fun evening with friends at the local pub. This is pub life.

Pints and fish & chips aside, place matters. Where we live, and the nearby neighborhood places that offer opportunities to connect with others, are critical to our wellbeing across the lifespan. When planning where to live we typically think about our idea of home, affordability, proximity to work, schools, access to stores, healthcare, etc. How many of us, young adult or retiree, inventory the places where we might ‘hang out’ and connect with others we have yet to meet?"

Read Dr. Coughlin's thoughts in full via Forbes.

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About the Author

Photo of Adam Felts
Adam Felts

Adam Felts is a researcher and writer at the MIT AgeLab. Currently he is involved in research on the experiences of family caregivers and the future of financial advice. He also manages the AgeLab blog and newsletter. He received his Master's in Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Boston University in 2014 and his Master's of Theological Studies from Boston University in 2019.

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