A study from Germany and Switzerland, analyzing data from over 460,000 participants, reveals that people tend to be happiest as children but become more satisfied with life as they age until a decline in old age. Positive affect (cheerfulness) decreases continuously from age 9 to 94. Life satisfaction decreases from age 9 to 16, increases slightly until age 70, and then decreases again until age 96. Negative affect fluctuates from ages 9 to 22, decreases until age 60, then rises after age 87. These changes in happiness are likely due to puberty-related challenges in adolescence and health issues and reduced social interaction in old age. The study suggests potential value in programs promoting happiness in later life.
"The sense of true life happiness is deeply related to social interaction and health issues. From this perspective, the fact that life satisfaction decreases again between the ages of 70 and 96 does make sense. In other words, if people over 70 are healthy and surrounded by good family and friends, their lives are fulfilled."
At what age do you feel the most fulfilled in your life?
Which tips do you consider the most important factors in making our life happier?