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Does one experience more or less happiness at different ages or stage of life? When it comes to relationships, for example, the honeymoon stage leads to the parenting stage ‑ having kids isn’t easy and those years of raising children can sometimes lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction in a marriage. When the kids leave home and the tough years of parenting are over, a couple’s relationship often improves. There are highs and lows at all stages and in any relationship.

Happiness predictors – fitness with a dose of healthy humour

If you exercise and are fit and healthy, the chances are that no matter what stage of life you’re at, you’re likely to be happier. But then, that’s not a guarantee – those who are able to laugh and take things slowly in a relaxed manner get more happiness out of life. There is a higher divorce rate amongst younger couples than older couples; older couples tend to be more content and can laugh together which means they’re more likely to be happy together than younger couples who are still trying to change each other.

Although men and women seem to enjoy the same general satisfaction in life, women seem to experience more anxiety and feelings of depression than men do. Women do not suffer as much as men do when it comes to things like addictions and suicide though.

The affect of age on happiness

As long as you’re strong and healthy, some studies have shown that happiness can increase with age. David Myers’ book called The Pursuit of Happiness explores these questions. Either way, no matter what age, people report similar feelings of happiness. Some women, however, enjoy more happiness in their relationships or marriages with their new-found freedom once they get over menopause or reach the ‘empty nest period’.

Moods change significantly quickly in teenage years while more mature people have more balanced moods which impacts on happiness levels. Perhaps there’s some truth in that old saying, ‘The older one gets the better life gets.’

Tip: Read a therapist’s advice for happiness here.

Tags: anxiety, Depression, humour