A few weeks ago I learned of a fundamental perspective on the richness of life. Have you heard of the 'U Curve of Happiness'? I was a bit taken back, but overall not surprised, with this simple bit of wisdom about what many in Western cultures experience.The U Curve describes how individuals see contentment and overall happiness at different stages of life. From the teen years through the mid-to-late 40's things are, unfortunately, on a downhill slide, bottoming out by about 50 years old. What looked like great promises of youth turn out to be dashed hopes of middle age.
But not to worry. If we hang in there for just another decade or so, we'll find ourselves regaining and even surpassing the joy and contentment of our younger years, albeit now with more wisdom and understanding of how to enjoy it.
This research began in the late 90's and early 2000's, and has grown into and extensive body of knowledge worldwide. And what is interesting is how similar the life-experiences are across numerous cultures and countries. While the exact bottom of the happiness curve, and exact contentment levels over the decades, may differ, the shape of the curve from teen years through 70 years + is the same.
Check out this article from The Economist about The U-bend of Life. It gives a good overview of the concept, and even digs into some specifics of the research. What is clear is that in developed Western cultures, there is great hope for happiness in latter years.
So if you're on the early end of the spectrum (in your 20's or 30's) hang in there... it gets better...eventually. And if you're like me (late 40's) hang in there as well, because you're on the doorstep of the happiest years of your life!
By the Way
This happiness research isn't only relevant for us humans, but also for our primate cousins (apes, and chimpanzees, etc.). They exhibit the same youthful contentment, followed by a sharp decline of 'happiness' into midlife, and then a strong and steady increase of happiness through old age.
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