Psychologists believe the true “final stage” of life is not defined by aging, retirement, or crises, but by a profound mental shift. It’s the moment when you stop yearning for a past that can’t be relived or worrying about a future you can’t control, and instead begin to engage with the present in a completely different way. This shift marks a pivotal moment in life, transcending age or physical change, and allows you to fully appreciate the “now.”
The Myth of the “Happiest” Age
Many people reflect back on their life and recall moments they consider the happiest—whether it’s childhood, filled with carefree days, youth marked by first loves and adventures, or even old age, seen as peaceful and wise. However, psychologists argue that this nostalgic view is misleading. Childhood may be joyful, but it’s also a time of dependence. Youth often brings pressure and anxiety, and even later life can bring challenges such as health issues or loneliness. Studies consistently show that no specific age is inherently happier; rather, happiness is deeply influenced by how we perceive and engage with life.
What Does the “Final Stage” Really Mean?
Spanish psychologist Rafael Santandreu, whose ideas sparked much discussion, suggests that the “ultimate” stage of life begins when you make a conscious decision to think differently. This stage is about shedding the role of a victim of circumstances and instead becoming the editor of your own thoughts. The “final stage” isn’t tied to age; it’s about deciding to stop dwelling on complaints and to start valuing what you have in the present. It’s a mindset shift that can happen at any point in life, whether you’re 22, 45, or 70, depending on when you choose to alter your perspective.
Shifting from Nostalgia to Active Presence
This mental shift involves letting go of two common habits: glorifying the past and postponing happiness to the future. Many people live in the mindset that “things were better before” or “I’ll be happy when I get a new job, partner, or home.” These thought patterns distance us from happiness. In the “final stage,” happiness is not a distant goal, but a daily decision—something we create through attention and interpretation. By focusing on what we can appreciate now, we begin to experience joy daily.
| Old Mental Habit | New Mental Habit in the “Final Stage” |
|---|---|
| Focusing on what went wrong | Noticing what went right |
| Comparing life to others | Comparing today to your yesterday |
| Asking “Why me?” in problems | Asking “What can I learn?” |
| Equating comfort with happiness | Equating growth with happiness |
