Old Age May Bring a Happiness Bonus

When it comes to happiness, old age seems to have it all over youth, a surprising new study suggests.

Researchers interviewed more than 1,500 subjects ages 21 to 100, recording data on their physical health, cognitive function, and measures of mental health. They found the older rather than younger participants tended to be happier with their lives, and that participants seemed to grow steadily happier as they aged.

The research, which was published in the Aug. 24, 2016 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, argues against the common conception that old age involves a decrease in life satisfaction.

“This study suggests that many of us experience steady improvements in mental health as we progress from our 20s and 30s into our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond,” says Joel A. Pava, PhD, Director of Psychotherapy Service at the MGH Depression Clinical and Research Program. “These researchers found that older rather than younger participants tended to be happier, more satisfied, less depressed and anxious, and had lower levels of perceived stress. For these older participants, aging was accompanied by significant emotional benefits.

“These findings call into question the common assumption that depression, anxiety, and loneliness necessarily accompany old age, and instead suggest that happiness and well-being may increase as we become older adults.”

Benefits of Age

Although the study did not make clear precisely why older individuals seem to be happier, there are a number of possibilities. Most probably, seniors’ added years and greater experience have made them wiser. For example a higher percentage of people in their later years appear to be:

• Less concerned about issues that may trouble younger people, such as pressure from peers
• More in control of their emotions, with greater self-knowledge
• Better at making decisions
• More focused on helping others rather than themselves
• More empathetic and compassionate

“As we age, the challenges and the rewards we experience change from phase to phase,” says Dr. Pava. “This study emphasizes the rewards that accrue as we transition from building careers and raising families to a period of perhaps fewer pressures, more personal time, increased perspective, a refocus on interpersonal connections, and increased engagement with meaningful activities, such as new learning and giving to others, all of which can increase satisfaction with life.”

Brain scans of older and younger individuals suggest yet another factor. Changes in the brain that come with aging affect the amygdala, a brain region that responds to stress and negative experiences. Compared to younger people, the older person’s amygdala is less active when presented with distressing images, suggesting a possible explanation for why older individuals may deal more calmly with negative events.

Boosting Happiness

None of us are completely happy, all the time. However, research suggests that, no matter what your age, the following tips may help improve the way you feel about yourself and your circumstances and build feelings of happiness and life satisfaction:

Avoid judging yourself too harshly, which can lead to disappointment and feelings of failure.

• Think positively. Look at the good things you have accomplished rather than dwelling on failures.
• Focus on your strengths—your unique abilities that can make a contribution to others—to engender feelings of competency.
• Try something new. Research suggests that activities involving challenge and skill make people feel happier and more satisfied.
• Invest in the future. Engage in activities that help build a positive future for yourself and your society.
• Strengthen your bonds with others.
• Take care of your health.
• Be resilient. Try to keep your perspective when confronted by setbacks.
• Enjoy each moment.
• Practice gratitude.
• Forgive yourself and others.
• Seek help for depression that lasts for longer than two weeks.

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