WOULD YOU TAKE ADVICE FROM YOUR PARENTS?

Rachel Tompkins, 43, gave it a go for a week to see if it could make her happier

- RACHEL TOMPKINS

I visited my parents recently. While I wittered on about the weather, the kids and life in general, I noticed that, while they had complaints, they both seemed a lot happier than me. So, when I read about a study that found that people over 55 have a better quality of life and that there's a 'happiness gap', with older people feeling consistently more content and secure than those aged 16 to 34, well, it all made sense. It led me to ponder the secrets of my parents' happiness. I asked them for some tips, and here's what happened when I spent a week following their advice...

DAY 1 GET ACTIVE

As a working mum-of-two, I don't have much time to exercise. But my mum Stephanie, 69, swears that daily gym classes are the key to keeping her healthy and happy.

I've got a guest pass - you should come with me,' Mum has suggested time and time again.

I usually make an excuse but, today, I arranged for someone to take my sons to school and squeezed in an early yoga workout before starting work as a writer.

If I'm honest, it was the last thing I fancied after the morning rush. But as I sat down on my mat and began the first stretch I felt my body, and mind, begin to relax. I wasn't the most flexible, but it felt great to get my body moving - we both came out smiling.

DAY 2 ENJOY THE GARDEN

Neither me nor my husband have the inclination for gardening, but with my dad Jim's encouragement I decided to see if mowing the lawn is as relaxing as he says.

Starting the mower was NOT relaxing at all! After another hard tug of the cord, I gave up and Dad, 72, took over. (Apparently there's a knack.) I soon got into a rhythm.

The engine sound drowned out the kids' arguing and afterwards I admired my handiwork and felt a sense of satisfaction.

DAY 3 STOP GOOGLING