The pursuit of happiness: is age just a number in our quest for joy?

Happiness is a universal pursuit of something we all strive for, yet it often feels elusive or tied to fleeting moments. 

If you’ve ever looked back at your life and thought, “I was happiest in my early twenties, carefree and full of promise", you’re not alone. 

But, is happiness really about age, or is it more about how we perceive and experience life’s stages? 

Let’s delve into the science behind happiness and unpack the complexities of age-related joy, especially in today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world.

The U-shaped curve: is there a happiness pattern?

Research has long pointed to a U-shaped happiness curve to explain the ebbs and flows of our emotional states throughout life.

This model suggests that we start relatively happy during our youth, face a decline in happiness through middle age, and then experience a resurgence of joy in our later years. 

Many studies have indicated that the “low point” often occurs in our late '40s to early '50s, a phase frequently wrapped in the existential angst of the “midlife crisis.”

Here, stress from career demands, family responsibilities, and unfulfilled life expectations weigh heavily on individuals.

However, as we age past this turbulent stage, happiness typically begins to rise again. Older adults often report enhanced emotional well-being, attributed to improved emotional regulation and a sharper focus on what truly matters in life.

What changes as we age?

The reasons behind the increase in happiness later in life are multifaceted:

• Less stress about status: Younger adults commonly grapple with competition in career progression, finding the right partner, and meeting societal benchmarks. As individuals mature, they tend to seek intrinsic rewards over external validation. 
• Better emotional regulation: With age comes the wisdom of managing emotions and relinquishing regrets. This emotional maturity can significantly contribute to higher happiness levels.
• Refined priorities: Ageing offers clarity; older adults often prioritise substantial relationships and meaningful activities over superficial goals, culminating in a richer sense of fulfilment.

According to "Psychology Today", these changes relate to evolutionary psychology. In early adulthood, individuals face pressure to compete for scarce resources and mates. As such pressures lessen, so too does the accompanying anxiety and stress. 

Happiness among the younger generation is on the decline

Although the U-shaped curve has received substantial support, recent trends suggest that younger generations are less happy than their predecessors. 

The truth is that our generation is the most wretched to have grown up in nearly 50 years. We may not have to work in factories or start families at 14 years old, but suicide rates are at an all-time high.

According to SADAG, a considerable percentage of South Africans have depression symptoms, with some estimating that up to one in every six South Africans may suffer from anxiety, depression, or drug abuse issues.  

Suicide is the second highest cause of death among 13-24-year-olds. Social media portrays our lives as defective in comparison to others around us, even though we are all battling.

The role of social media

Observations indicate a notable decline in happiness among young adults started around 2012 - 2013, coinciding with the unprecedented rise of smartphones and social media platforms.

In this digital landscape, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of happiness. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok tout the promise of connection but frequently foster feelings of comparison and self-doubt.

For many young individuals, this scenario manifests in:

• Body image issues: Exposure to highly curated and filtered images can distort young people's self-perceptions.
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Witnessing others' highlight reels often perpetuates feelings of inadequacy.
• Cyberbullying: Not all online interactions are positive, with the potential for bullying or disparaging remarks considerably impacting mental health.

For young women, the pressures can be particularly acute, contributing to elevated rates of anxiety and depression.

In SA, the question of happiness takes on added significance due to unique challenges, including the lingering economic ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic and persistently high unemployment rates.

These factors exacerbate the struggle to find joy amid societal pressures.

Can we cultivate happiness at any age?

If happiness isn't strictly tied to age, how can it be cultivated at any stage of life? The key lies in shifting our perspective and concentrating on what truly matters.

Here are several strategies to enhance happiness:

• Practice gratitude: Regularly reflecting on what one is grateful for can significantly boost mood and life satisfaction.
• Limit social media use: Disconnecting from the endless scroll can help focus on real-life connections, thereby reducing feelings of comparison.
• Invest in relationships: Nurturing friends, family, and partnerships is one of the most reliable predictors of happiness.
• Focus on health: Physical and mental health are deeply interconnected; engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and practising mindfulness can enhance well-being.
• Find your purpose: Whether through work, volunteering, or hobbies, nurturing a sense of purpose can imbue life with deeper meaning.

Ultimately, happiness is a fluctuating experience shaped by our perceptions, social context, and personal growth.

While age brings its lessons and challenges, embracing proactive measures to nurture joy can lead to a fulfilling life no matter the stage.