A “golden period” associated with perfect balance.
The quest for happiness intrigues each of us. At what point in our existence do we truly reach this peak of satisfaction? A European study published in Social Indicators Research attempted to provide an answer to this question. By analyzing the memories of older adults, researchers determined the age when individuals remembered experiencing the happiest years of their lives.
This survey, carried out among people aged 50 and over in 13 European countries, studied participants’ memories and impressions to determine which periods were perceived as the happiest. And the results reveal a marked trend in each person’s journey. Indeed, by examining the information collected, the researchers found that the probability of experiencing the happiest years of life increased significantly between childhood and adulthood. It would reach its maximum at a certain age, then gradually decrease over time. This “golden period”, as it is called, would generally be in the thirties, more precisely between 30 and 34 years old. During these 4 years, individuals would have found a balance on a personal, family and professional level. A favorable time to build your life, feel accomplished and assume certain responsibilities. This feeling of fulfillment plays an essential role in the perception of happiness.
After age 34, the average probability of experiencing the happiest years would begin to decrease. The results of the study also indicate that the forties associated with the famous midlife crisis or “midlife crisis” are not the least happy in life. People of this age are neither in the happiest phase nor in the unhappiest phase. It is a moment of transition that would vary depending on each person’s personal circumstances and experiences. However, it is interesting to note that the perception of happiness evolves depending on the generations. Younger cohorts, who grew up in periods of relative prosperity, report less variability in their happiness levels compared to those who experienced more difficult times such as wars or economic crises. This suggests that our perception of happiness is deeply influenced by the social and economic context in which we grow up.