When are we happiest? A new study by the Resolution Foundation reveals that the two ages when people tend to be their happiest are 16 and 70.1
This makes sense when you think about it. Sixteen is often the first time children get a taste of independence — they’re old enough to drive and yet just young enough that the weight of grades, competitive college admissions and questions like “What are you doing after high school?” may not be crushing down on their shoulders.
At 70, people are generally at the other end of the spectrum — it may be their first taste of true independence since they were 16. They may no longer answer to a boss, their kids are typically grown and many enjoy financial independence; this may be the first time their discretionary income is truly theirs to spend.
Of course, most of us want to experience just as much happiness in those in-between years, and, according to the same report, some of the biggest determinants for happiness during that period are having a job, a partner and good health.2
If you’re at the point where you’d like help to ensure you’ll have financial independence in retirement — particularly the ability to cover day-to-day expenses for you and your partner for the rest of your life — we’ve got some viable ideas. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
It’s worth considering tactics to make the most of the years between 16 and 70. How can you maximize opportunities for happiness, productivity, getting along with others, financial security and good health?
Here’s an interesting finding from another recent study: Boredom is a good way to stimulate creativity and problem-solving processes in the brain. Apparently, you need to put down your smartphone, magazine or TV remote and let your mind daydream for a while. A listless mind becomes starved for stimulation, leading to more creative and productive endeavors than if you keep yourself entertained all the time.3
So to experience happiness in your life, seek ways to be productive, strengthen relationships, maximize your health and spur your creativity — apparently these are ways to master the art of adjusting to modern times.
Content prepared by Kara Stefan Communications.
1 Andy Hayes. Sky News. Feb. 13, 2019. “Revealed: The two ages when we are happiest.” https://news.sky.com/story/revealed-the-two-ages-when-we-are-happiest-11636055. Accessed March 4, 2019.
2 Ibid.
3 Jamie Ducharme. Time. Jan. 4, 2019. “Being Bored Can Be Good for You–If You Do It Right. Here’s How.” http://time.com/5480002/benefits-of-boredom/. Accessed March 4, 2019.
We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This material is intended to provide general information to help you understand basic retirement income strategies and should not be construed as financial advice.
The information contained in this material is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the desired reference.
789448B
Ready to Take The Next Step?
For more information about any of the products and services listed here, schedule a meeting today or register to attend a seminar.
