Study: 30s To 40s And Up Is The Age Where You Experience The Happiest Live

Illustration of the happiest moment (Unsplash/Courtney Cook)

JAKARTA – Everyone wants to be happy even though the definition of happy is uncertain, depending on cultural background, habits, and demographic situation. But in general, happiness is a positive emotion that is felt in an indefinite period of time.

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D., a psychologist working in Toronto, Canada explained that based on research, happiness actually tends to increase over time, unless you have serious health problems.

As one gets older, one becomes better at regulating emotions and has positive moments to remember. In 2015, Psychology Today has conducted a number of studies that observe how happiness grows and changes over time.

The first cross-field study compared adults with different age groups. This study shows that the highest happiness is experienced in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Another study was conducted longitudinally, showing the greatest happiness experienced by the elderly. In your mid-20s to late 30s, you will find a positive and more emotionally stable influence. Then it declines during the 40s and slowly rises to its peak in the 60s.

A subsequent study published in the Journal of Developmental Psychology found that happiness changes over time. The study included two samples, high school students ages 18 to 43 and senior universities from ages 23 to 37.

A team of researchers from the University of Alberta and Brandeis University measured several factors used to measure happiness. These factors include self-esteem, marital status, employment, physical health, and parental education level.

Another study reported from Neuroscience News, Thursday, April 15, revealed the happiest moments felt in their late 30s to 40s and up. The study was conducted over 4 years and used several factors that support happiness.

The things that support happiness in the last study are mental maturity, emotional, career, romance, and skills in life in general.

One of the participants in the study, Lisa, 37, said she was happier with emotional and mental maturity.

"If you can go back to your 20s, just physically. Mentally and emotionally, it's impossible", she says briefly but lightly marking the phases of his life.

A number of the above studies may not apply to everyone. However, recording every phase of life is well done to mark that no matter how small happiness is, it is worth enjoying.