Does Happiness Increase With AGE..?

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Permalink Reply by Jeevan Sivasubramaniam on June 2, 2010 at 11:25pm

I have read this, too. There have been countless theories about why this is so, though most of them suggest that with age comes an understanding and acceptance of those things we cannot control and an appreciation for those things that we have instead of yearning for what we don't. I'm definitely happier than I was when I was younger so I hope the trend continues...

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Permalink Reply by Berrett-Koehler on June 3, 2010 at 4:30pm

On the one hand, I would think people would get more depressed as they age as they get closer and closer to death and realize they are mortal and may not have made much of a difference in their short time on earth in the grand scheme of the universe--but on the other hand, perhaps it is as Jeevan noted, that with age comes a certain wisdom and serenity about he mystery and wonder of life, and therefore an acceptance of what it brings and daily thankfulness for just being alive and in good health. I think with age comes more authentic conversations as well, which is a release for many who bottled up their true thoughts and feelings in earlier years.

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Permalink Reply by David Marshall on June 4, 2010 at 12:17pm

This was me, David Marshall, speaking. I accidentally had my BK account open at the time.

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Permalink Reply by Ann Campbell on June 9, 2010 at 3:58pm

I'm relatively young and yes I get happier with age. You may lose some superficial stuff like looks or eyesight, but in the end you gain in life experience and deep relationships.

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Permalink Reply by Bonnie Kaufman on June 9, 2010 at 4:17pm

Ditto! It seems silly to say, being on the younger side of things, but I've definitely learned to focus on the positive as I've gotten older. As such, I'm much happier than I once was, and I am VERY much looking forward to continuing the trend. While I like to believe that I'll hold onto whatever 'looks' I have now, my eyesight is already pretty horrible and continuing to decline. Oh well!

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