People Reach Peak Happiness in Their 80s

Happiness levels peak in our 80s, according to results of a new survey.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on March 30 2011

Do you often find yourself wishing you could go back in time to your high school or college days? Never fear—for most of us, the best is yet to come, according to a new study.

In a study published by the American National Academy of Sciences, 341,000 people of all ages were surveyed on their current happiness level, in addition to categories like health, income, and personal relationships. After all the questionaires were tallied up, the results came as a surprise: for most people, happiness levels tend to diminish during early adulthood, then begin rising again in the late forties. The happiest people of all, though, had an average age of 85.

Of course, happiness in old age is benefited greatly by good health, enough money to live on, and a network of positive relationships. But if you have all of that, there’s a lot to smile about: You’re generally able to focus your time on the hobbies and people that you most enjoy; you’ve become more comfortable with yourself; and you generally receive more respect than you did in your younger years.

So don’t be afraid of those gray hairs and wrinkles—every day is simply bringing you closer to a happy old age.

Filed under: Health and Wellbeing,

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