We know that wisdom comes with age ― and apparently so do a number of other joyful qualities.
Research shows that the older you get, the more self-assured and content you are. In fact, those in their 60s are more likely to be happier and, according to a recent study, they’re also more self-confident overall than most of those in their younger decades.
So, what’s the secret? Sadly, there’s no one answer, but rather several factors. Here are just a few things that likely help, according to some science on the subject:
Older people have better mental health
Here’s one case where your mind may get better with age. In a 2016 study, researchers surveyed more than 1,500 people of all different ages on their physical, cognitive and mental health. They found that those in their 20s and 30s reported the highest levels of depression, anxiety and stress and lower levels of happiness compared with those in older decades.
Dilip Jeste, a psychiatrist and one of the study’s authors, told Time this is likely because you’re more able to brush off everyday stressors when you’re older, and you’re also ― gasp! ― wiser, which adds to happiness.
Your life is likely more stable the older you get
