People love to complain about getting old, about how they can’t do things like they used to.
Turns out, old people should quit complaining. A recent survey revealed that once people turn 50, they continue to get happier and happier. A Gallup poll of more than 340,000 Americans aged 18 to 85 found that 18 year olds are pretty fulfilled – but from there, levels of happiness gradually decline all the way to age 50.
The researchers say further studies need to be conducted to find out why, at age 50, the happiness level of adults begins to climb. Right now, we can’t pinpoint exactly why Americans’ outlook on life gets better and better as they age from 50 to 85 years.
The researchers said this trend might be attributed to psychological changes about the way people view the world. It could involve social or societal factors, and it could be biological, perhaps dealing with brain chemistry and more scientifically explainable influences. Some observers feel that older people may better control their emotions, and they may have a sense of nostalgia that allows them to remember more of the good in life and less of the bad.
The survey seems to provide Americans with a bit of hope for their future, and their general sense of well being as they age. It can only be encouraging for adults to see that, despite the increased aches and pains associated with getting older, the challenges associated with aging do not deter older Americans from being fulfilled and happy.
In addition to measuring general happiness levels, the Gallup survey also found that levels of stress decrease gradually and consistently after age 21, reaching a low point at age 85. Levels of worry are steady until age 50 before sharply decreasing. Anger decreases steadily from 18 on. Sadness peaks at 50, declines to age 73 and then rises slightly again to age 85.
The results gathered from men and women were very similar, although women tended to have higher levels of stress, worry and sadness.
The results were published the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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