Final answer:
Research indicates that meaningful activities rather than purely pleasurable ones contribute to greater happiness, as seen in studies on activity theory and the distinction between higher and lower pleasures by philosophers like John Stuart Mill.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research suggests that meaningful activities lead to greater increases in happiness than activities associated purely with pleasure. The activity theory posits that active engagement in life through participation in social and productive activities can significantly enhance an elderly person's sense of wellbeing. This is supported by Havinghurst's studies that link higher levels of activity and social involvement to greater happiness. The theory is further elaborated upon by Lemon, Bengtson, and Petersen, who suggested that informal activities such as hobbies can deeply affect life satisfaction in later years.
Moreover, philosophical perspectives such as those of John Stuart Mill differentiate between higher and lower pleasures, arguing that the higher pleasures, which include the use of one's cognitive faculties and participation in cultural life, lead to deeper satisfaction than the lower, sensory pleasures. This perspective aligns with contemporary research findings that indicate that well-being is not only connected to activities that stimulate the brain's pleasure centers but also to those that provide a deeper sense of fulfillment and psychosocial prosperity.