Psychologists from Seoul University have discovered that not all people in old age are happier than in their youth. This pattern is typical only for those with character traits such as adaptability and low levels of neuroticism (emotional instability, anxiety propensity). Study published magazine Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being.
A common theory is that people become less and less happy as they approach middle age. On the contrary, exceeding this age limit begins to increase the level of happiness. However, recent scientific studies cast doubt on this view. In the new study, scientists compiled a questionnaire filled out by more than 10,000 people ages 14 to 75 to assess happiness.
The questionnaire evaluated three criteria for happiness: life satisfaction, positive aspect of life (feelings of happiness, relaxation) and negative aspect (feelings of boredom, anxiety, and depression). Participants were also evaluated for personality traits.
Apparently, the young and old participants felt the greatest satisfaction with life, middle-aged people least. At the same time, if a person was distinguished by low neuroticism and meekness, in his youth and old age he felt happier than those who did not have these characteristics.
The research team noted that the majority of the sample was female, so the results of the male sample may differ, so they will conduct more studies in the future.