The pursuit of happiness has been the primary concern of humanity throughout history. Although there is no magic formula to find it and its definition varies according to individual experience, many people tend to associate happiness with certain moments in life, either out of nostalgia or hope for a better future.
A Harvard University study, cited in the book The Good Life, suggests that linking happiness to retirement may have merit. This research, which covers several generations of American families and combines physical tests and medical examinations, concludes that happiness reaches its peak after the age of sixty. According to the study authors, awareness of the approaching end of life can lead to a greater appreciation of every moment. Moreover, if this period coincides with the retirement and independence of the children, the individual is freed from the heavy burden of responsibilities and is allowed to enjoy the first old age in relative health.
The Arbaeen Crisis: The worst moments of life
In 2008 research, economist David Blatchflower suggested that lifelong happiness is U-shaped. According to their study, 47 is the age at which people tend to feel sad. This period of life is characterized by high levels of stress and anxiety, along with the inevitable physical changes with age, which reduce personal satisfaction.
The well-known “40 crisis” occurs around this age and is a phenomenon in which people face many personal and professional problems. This emotional burden can be exacerbated by events typical of this stage, such as the death of parents or possible divorce. The combination of these difficulties contributes to the fact that forty is viewed as one of the most complex and least happy times in life.
Happiness in retirement
Going back to Harvard studies, it has been confirmed that reaching retirement can be a period of extreme happiness. The freedom from responsibilities and the opportunity to enjoy life in good health means that many people find at this stage a new sense of well-being. The ability to appreciate every moment and enjoy a more relaxed life without the stress of previous years is a crucial factor in this increase in happiness.
In short, while the pursuit of happiness is a personal and subjective experience, research suggests that the retirement years can be the happiest, while midlife, especially at age 47, can be some of the most difficult.
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