Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and managing life’s challenges can be a daunting task. However, what can keep us motivated throughout our lives is the pursuit of happiness.

For some, happiness is a state of the mind that comes in waves, while for others it’s a more constant emotion. Regardless of your definition of happiness, chronological age seems to play a significant role in how happy we feel. Fortunately, a recent study reveals that our happiest years may not be where we initially anticipated.

The Study

The study in question was conducted by researchers from the University of Warwick, England, and was published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization.

The researchers analyzed data collected from approximately 1 million Americans and Europeans, with a focus on age and self-reported levels of happiness. The study comprised data covering various stages of adulthood, ranging from early adulthood (roughly between 20-24 years of age) to retirement age (roughly between 65-71 years of age).

The Results

The study found that individuals reported the highest levels of happiness in their youth, their late 60s, and early 70s.

According to the study, people are happiest at two stages in life; at the beginning of their adult life and towards the end of their working, life just before retirement. The study’s authors suggest that these results reflect the changing priorities of individuals with age.

The Stages of Happiness

According to the study, people experience two stages of happiness in their lives. The first stage, which occurs in early adulthood, is characterized by a sense of freedom and independence.

It is at this stage that people make significant life decisions like choosing a career or making a life-long partner. The feeling of being in control of one’s life contributes to a sense of happiness that endures.

The second stage of happiness happens late in life, a few years before retirement. According to the study’s authors, this happiness is a result of achieving significant life goals, such as raising a family and working to support a lifestyle.

At this point, individuals have fulfilled most of their life objectives and are somewhat financially stable, resulting in a profound sense of contentment.

Why Earlier Adulthood and Later Life are Happiest

At the beginning of adulthood, there’s an overwhelming sense of freedom and independence that comes with the sense of responsibility as individuals start to shape their lives.

This stage allows for the creation of lifelong friendships, romantic relationships, and career paths. In hindsight, it’s easy to appreciate how much control we have over our lives at this stage and how the seemingly little decisions we make can impact the rest of our lives positively.

In late life, happiness comes from the sense of self-reflectiveness and the fulfillment of priorities, like raising a family.

While the study suggests that financial security plays a small role in our perception of happiness at this stage, it’s also true that at this point in life, individuals have control over what they do with their time, which includes picking and choosing what projects to dedicate their energy to.

It’s important to note the differences between genders when analyzing age-related happiness.

The study found that men typically experience more happiness in their youth, while women tend to experience more happiness towards the end of their careers, with some women reporting that they find more joy in retirement than men. The disparity in happiness could be due to the gendered differences in life priorities, with women prioritizing family life over working life.

Conclusion

While the findings of the study might seem simplistic, the results provide a fascinating insight into the nature of human happiness.

The study shows that happiness is a dynamic experience that changes significantly throughout our lives and is significantly associated with age. It’s important to note that while these trends are true for some, they don’t apply to everyone.

However, understanding the trends in happiness across age groups can help us prepare for significant changes that we are likely to experience throughout our lives.