Happiness May Increase with Age

Posted on 2010-06-08 06:00:00 in Aging | Behavior |
Happiness May Increase with Age

Across all major objective markers, people seem to become happier as they get older, finds researchers from Princeton University (New Jersey, USA), who compiled data resulting from a 2008 Gallup Survey of 340,847 Americans, ages 18 to 85 years.  The general pattern of emotional well-being appeared to feature stress and anger on steep decline beginning in the early 20s, worry elevating through middle age and then declining, and sadness remaining essentially flat throughout life.  The team found that enjoyment and happiness, while decreasing gradually until we reach our fifth decade of life, rise steadily from age 50 to 75 years. 

Continue reading…

Arthur A. Stone, Joseph E. Schwartz, Joan E. Broderick, Angus Deaton.  “A snapshot of the age distribution of psychological well-being in the United States.”  PNAS;  2010 107 (22) 9985-9990, May 17, 2010;  doi:10.1073/pnas.1003744107.

Health Headlines MORE »

The best male marathon runners over age 65, and the best female marathon runners over age 45, continue to consistently improve their performance.
UCLA-led team safely uses human embryonic stem cells to treat macular degeneration.
First-of-its-kind study reports that indoor air in offices is an important source of worker exposure to potentially toxic substances.
Twenty percent of Americans ages 18+ experienced a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder in 2010.
In a lab animal model, vitamin D reduced the effects of aging in the eyes and improved the vision of older animals.
For the first time ever, stem cells from umbilical cords have been converted into other types of cells, paving the way for new treatment options for spinal cord
People affected by Alzheimer's disease are more likely to have low blood levels of vitamin E, as compared to people with normal cognitive function.
Virtual reality (VR)-enhanced exercise, that combine physical exercise with computer-simulated environments and interactive videogame features, yield a greater
Providing potent protection for eyes, grapes may help to slow or help prevent the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Review paper confirms the multiple health benefits of consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods.
ANTI-AGING TIP OF THE DAY
Lifelong Fitness Linked to Longevity
People who stay even moderately fit as they age may live longer than those who are out-of-shape. Researchers from the University of Otago ( New Zealand) studied 4,384 middle-aged and older adults whose fitness levels were assessed via exercise treadmill tests, then whom were followed for nine years. When the team separated the participants into five groups based on fitness levels, they found that one-quarter of the least-fit men and women had died during the study period, as compared to 13% of those who were slightly more in-shape.