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The Science of Happiness Offers Science-Based Habits To Help You Thrive

AARP

Published June 16, 2026

Mature couple smiling and talking while using a laptop together at a dining table in their kitchen at home

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Why leave happiness to chance? Join us every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for a lively 30-minute Zoom event that dives into simple, science-backed habits—from gratitude and kindness to connection and resilience—that have been proven to help you thrive.

Lucy Flood leads these sessions. A Stanford University graduate with a degree in Human Biology and Environmental Policy, Flood finds that the Science of Happiness beautifully creates a holistic understanding of how to live a full, rich life—one where we can meaningfully contribute to our communities while being deeply nourished and experiencing regular delight.

“Each week in the Science of Happiness, we explore science-backed practices shown to boost mood, build resilience, enhance our wellbeing, and help us flourish,” said Flood. “Just like we can go to the gym to get stronger, we can do specific practices like gratitude journaling, awe walks, and random acts of kindness that are proven to boost our happiness. Investing in your happiness can have rich rewards for your body, mind, and heart as well.”

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Links for the 2026 Science of Happiness Series

The series is free, but registration is required. Simply click on the date below to attend. Attendees may join as many or as few events as they wish.

Click to join the virtual session. You will be asked to provide your name and email address. Don’t arrive more than 30 minutes early for class. All sessions run from 9:30-10 a.m. Mountain Time.

According to Flood, because connection is a key driver of happiness, the program leaders create many opportunities for people to connect with each other on the calls and to practice weaving community with the wider world outside those calls.

For more information, contact Jennifer Baier at jbaier@aarp.org.