The Happiness Curve

 

Visualize a smiley face without the eyes. That’s pretty much what the Happiness Curve looks like. Economist David Blanchflower analyzed data on well-being from 132 countries and found that this curve held across the board. In more developed countries the happiness low point occurred at age 47.2 and in developing countries at age 48.2. Surprised?

What does this mean? It means that whether people live long lives or short, have financial resources or not – pretty much regardless of circumstances – midlife is no picnic. His findings say that childhood and older age are where happiness lies.

All Good

The good news is that after childhood, life – and happiness – get better with age. The other good news is that now that you know that your 30’s and 40’s are likely to not be peak times for happiness, you can do something about it. 

Flattening the Curve

According to happiness expert, author, and Harvard professor Arthur Bloom, we discover two things as we experience more of life. The first is that nothing lasts, and the second is that nothing is as important as we think it is. As we realize these things, happiness increases.

Not taking things – including life in general and ourselves in particular – too seriously does lead to happiness. Certainly, some things in life are serious. But not everything. Recognizing the difference might just be a way you can flatten your happiness curve.

Worry, Stress, Judgement

One reason why the downside of the Happiness Curve might happen is because in those years of life where we are building a career or growing a family, we worry a lot. It’s easy to find yourself stressing over all the possible catastrophic outcomes that never happen. Or you spend time being concerned about how people are judging you when the fact always is that no one judges you as much as you judge yourself. 

When we’re children we don’t have those worries. And apparently, by the time we reach our late 40’s, we have enough life under our belt to change our perspective.

Change

If the Happiness Curve is real for you, and the happiness you seek is eluding you, change your mindset. At the 100 Year Lifestyle we’re all about making healthy changes – and living at 100:100, 100% for 100 years – for every year of your life. That’s at any age.

Start flattening your curve by feeling your best and taking care of yourself. There’s a 100 Year Lifestyle Provider near you who can keep your spine and nervous system healthy, giving you the energy and vitality you need to make the changes you need and want to make. 

If you’re on the upside of the curve, enjoy the happiest and healthiest longevity possible. 100 Year Lifestyle Providers will help you enjoy every moment of your birthright time!