Article Summary:
In this 2022 article, Arthur C. Brooks examines the trajectories of happiness across a person’s lifespan, drawing insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development. Contrary to young people’s expectations, happiness typically declines during young adulthood and middle age, reaching its lowest point around age 50, before potentially rising again.
The study reveals two distinct groups among older individuals: the “happy-well” and the “sad-sick,” distinguished by their physical and mental health, and life satisfaction. While some factors influencing long-term happiness are beyond individual control, such as childhood experiences and genetic predispositions, seven key areas can be actively managed to improve future well-being.
These seven “Happiness 401(k)” investment areas are:
1. Avoiding smoking
2. Moderating alcohol consumption
3. Maintaining a healthy body weight
4. Prioritizing regular physical movement
5. Developing effective coping mechanisms
6. Pursuing continuous learning
7. Cultivating stable, long-term relationships