Finding Comfort and Joy Without Religion

I am an atheist. Obviously, George H. Gallup Jr. and Robert Bezilla (“Importance of Religious Beliefs Grows as Americans Age,” Feb. 19) are not. Their article gives the impression that a cultural factor, such as a belief in a religion, is central to finding comfort and happiness.

We nonbelievers enjoy our declining years as much as any, becoming ever more confirmed in our rationality. Perhaps that is why one finds so many older people at free-thought functions.

JOHN SIMONS

Los Angeles