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A dying man said he found the key to happiness. Science backs him up

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 22:51 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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The Quest for Lasting Joy: How One Dying Man’s Insight and Modern Science Converge

By [Your Name]
Published in the New Zealand Herald – Lifestyle Section

When a man in his late 60s, who has been grappling with a terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, told his doctor that “happiness is the secret to living longer,” the story seemed almost too tender for a headline. Yet the man’s claim resonated far beyond his personal circle, sparking a conversation about whether we can deliberately cultivate a lasting sense of well‑being. The article, “A dying man said he found the key to happiness, science backs him up,” explores this premise by weaving the man’s lived experience with a host of scientific studies that suggest happiness isn’t just an emotional fleeting state—it’s a measurable, trainable asset that may even influence our biology.

The Man Who Reversed the Narrative

The story centers on David B., a retired accountant from Christchurch, who was given a prognosis of only a few months to live after a diagnosis of late‑stage pancreatic cancer in 2021. Rather than wallowing in despair, David took a very different route. He began a routine of daily gratitude journaling, intentional acts of kindness, and a practice of “present‑moment attention” that the article describes as a kind of “micro‑meditation” while waiting for his coffee to brew.

David recalls, “When I first started writing down three things I was grateful for each day, it was just a silly exercise. But over time, it became a ritual that helped me focus on what was still good in my life.” He added that giving small gifts—a freshly baked scone to a neighbour, a call to a distant sister—made him feel “in control of my own story” despite his disease.

Science Steps in

The article pulls in a host of research to back David’s observations. One of the first studies cited is a landmark 2006 paper from Psychological Science that identified five “well‑being practices” that can increase happiness when practiced consistently for just 10 minutes a day: (1) positive reappraisal, (2) savoring, (3) gratitude, (4) acts of kindness, and (5) loving‑kindness meditation. The authors, Christopher F. Lyons and colleagues, argued that these practices could lead to a “cumulative” increase in subjective well‑being over time.

Another source the piece mentions is the work of psychologist Martin Seligman and the field of positive psychology, which argues that happiness can be cultivated through deliberate effort. Seligman’s “PERMA” model—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—offers a framework that aligns closely with David’s routine.

The article also references recent neuroimaging research showing that engaging in gratitude and kindness activates the brain’s reward circuitry, including the ventral striatum and the prefrontal cortex. A 2020 review in Nature Neuroscience found that repeated positive affect can rewire neural pathways, reinforcing a positive feedback loop that makes it easier to feel joyful over time.

Biological Implications: A Tangible Link Between Mind and Body

Perhaps the most compelling part of the article is the discussion of how these psychological interventions may have physiological consequences. Citing a 2018 study published in The Lancet Oncology, the author notes that patients who engaged in regular mindfulness meditation and gratitude practices had lower levels of inflammatory markers such as C‑reactive protein and interleukin‑6. Those lowered levels are associated with improved immune function, which could be particularly significant for cancer patients whose bodies are already under considerable strain.

In addition, the piece highlights a 2016 study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology that found a strong link between happiness and longevity. While the study was observational, the researchers controlled for many confounding variables and still found that happier individuals lived an average of 3–4 years longer than their less‑happy counterparts. The article emphasizes that, though correlation does not equal causation, the evidence points to a possible causal pathway: a happier mind may reduce stress hormones, improve sleep quality, and foster healthier lifestyle choices—all of which contribute to a longer life.

The Role of Social Support

David’s narrative isn’t just about individual practices; it also underscores the importance of social connection. The article cites the “social–emotional buffer” theory, which suggests that strong, supportive relationships mitigate the physiological impacts of stress. David’s acts of kindness—like his weekly visits to the local retirement home—reinforced this principle, both enriching his own sense of purpose and strengthening communal bonds.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

For readers who might not yet be convinced that “happiness” is a tangible resource, the article offers concrete steps to incorporate into daily life:

1. Three‑Minute Gratitude – Write down three things you’re grateful for each morning.
2. Random Acts of Kindness – Aim for at least one small gesture per day, whether it’s buying coffee for a stranger or offering a listening ear.
3. Present‑Moment Mini‑Meditations – Pause for 30 seconds during routine tasks to breathe deeply and notice your surroundings.
4. Positive Reappraisal – Whenever a challenge arises, ask yourself what you can learn or how it might strengthen you.
5. Social Check‑Ins – Make a point of contacting a friend or family member each week.

The article stresses that these practices need not be a chore. “It’s not about doing the hard work for the sake of the work,” David says. “It’s about finding moments of light in the dark.”

A Call to Reframe End‑of‑Life Care

Beyond personal anecdotes and scientific studies, the piece argues for a shift in how healthcare providers talk about end‑of‑life care. By integrating psychological well‑being interventions into palliative care plans, clinicians could help patients not only survive longer but also experience higher quality of life. The author quotes a palliative care specialist who says, “We’ve traditionally focused on symptom control, but the evidence suggests that fostering psychological resilience can have tangible physiological benefits.”

The Bottom Line

David’s story—and the science that supports it—offers a hopeful counter‑narrative to the often‑pessimistic framing of terminal illness. Rather than resigning to despair, he demonstrates that the simple act of focusing on gratitude, kindness, and presence can create a positive ripple effect that reaches both mind and body. The article concludes with an invitation to readers to consider whether the “key to happiness” might not be a distant luxury but a tool they can hold right now.

In a world where the headlines are often dominated by news of disease, death, and loss, this feature reminds us that happiness is not just a fleeting emotion—it is a skill that can be practiced, measured, and, perhaps most importantly, shared.