Happiness

Happiness peaks in our eighties

Aged cupid

© istockphoto

A book called You’re Looking Very Well,[*this is not an affliate link] written by Lewis Wolpert, emeritus professor of biology at University College London, suggests that most people were “averagely happy” in their teens and twenties, declining until early middle age as they try to support a family and a career. “But, from the mid-forties, people tend to become ever more cheerful and optimistic, perhaps reaching a maximum in their late seventies or eighties.

 

A study published by the American National Academy of Sciences, based on a survey of 341,000 people, found that enjoyment of life dwindled throughout early adulthood but began an upward trend in the late forties, and continued to increase until reaching a peak at 85. Read more

Source:
TheTelegraph Time

diceYou win some, you lose some. You get the perfect job—the one your heart is set on. Or you get snubbed. You win the girl (or guy) of your dreams—or you strike out. Such are life’s ups and downs.

But what if you win and lose at the same time? You land a good job—but not a great one. Or you do get a plum offer—but not the one you wanted?

A study published in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, says you’ll find a way to be happy anyway. [continue reading…]

Is happiness overated?

Well in the words of psychologist Ed Diener

Quit sitting around worrying about yourself and get focused on your goals.”

Research studies show that:

  • 84 per cent of married people in the US say they are very satisfied with family life
  • 66 per cent of single people in the US say they are very satisfied with family life
  • 21 per cent of people aged 21-29 in the US say helping others in need is one of the most important things in their lives
  • familyhappinessThe relentless pursuit of happiness may be doing us more harm than good.

    Some researchers say happiness as people usually think of it – the experience of pleasure or positive feelings – is far less important to physical health than the type of well-being that comes from engaging in meaningful activity. Researchers refer to this latter state as “eudaimonic well-being.” Curious? Continue reading

    Source: The Wall Street Journal