We know that wisdom comes with age ― and apparently so do a number of other joyful qualities.
Research shows that the older you get, the more self-assured and content you are. In fact, those in their 60s are more likely to be happier and, according to one study, they’re also more self-confident overall than most of those in their younger decades.
So, what’s the secret? Sadly, there’s no one answer, but rather several factors. Here are just a few things that likely help, according to some science on the subject:
You’ve got more wisdom.
Here’s one case where your mind may get better with age. Data shows that people ages 18-25 have the highest rates of depression. Although the pandemic increased rates across the board ― including in older populations ― those over 50 still have the lowest rates overall.
In a 2016 study, researchers surveyed more than 1,500 people of all different ages on their physical, cognitive and mental health. They found that those in their 20s and 30s reported the lower levels of happiness compared with those in older decades. Dilip Jeste, a psychiatrist and one of the study’s authors, told Time this is likely because you’re more able to brush off everyday stressors when you’re older, and you’re also ― gasp! ― wiser, which adds to happiness.
Your life is likely more stable the older you get.
With those awkward high school years and tumultuous 20s far in the rearview, this probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. A 2018 paper published in the journal Psychology Bulletin found that self-confidence peaks around age 60, which the study’s authors say is likely due to a more stable environment. By this time, you may have formed solid relationships, been promoted to various positions at work or helped your children grow into dependable adults.
When you’re older, happiness means being content with what you have.
To quote Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up the Sun,” “it’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.”
One study found that younger participants were more likely to describe happiness as times when they felt ecstatic or elated, The Atlantic reported. Those who were older described feeling happy when they were peaceful, calm or relaxed, which is rooted more in being content with the here and now rather than getting excitable over what’s ahead.
This change is likely attributed to increased feelings of connectedness to others and the current moment as you age, according to the study’s authors.
Your brain might be wired for fewer negative emotional responses as you age.
Brain imaging research published in 2004 found that older individuals displayed reduced activity in their amygdala, the area of the brain associated with stress and emotional responses, when they were shown negative images. This could mean your automatic response to negative emotional stimuli can become more subdued as you age.
There are some caveats worth mentioning: When it comes to happiness, a lot of research on the subject that’s been conducted over time suggests that it generally follows a U-shaped curve, meaning that happiness is at a high when you’re in your 20s as well, before it dips in middle age and then shoots back up again in your late 60s. So, the retirement decade isn’t the only time you’ve reached your peak, so to speak. These points also don’t cover all of the theories surrounding aging and happiness, they’re just a few studies on the wide subject.
Additionally, the simple truth is that anyone can increase their feeling of contentment or self-confidence. Your age doesn’t necessarily dictate how joyous you are, but rather your habits do (and there are plenty you can practice to help you reach a state of bliss).
But, overall, the research is worth noting ― especially given the fact that many people think aging is a negative more than a positive experience. Just a little something to keep in mind if you’re dreading the number of candles on your next birthday cake.