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31 DAYS TO HAPPY
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Good Housekeeping
Stephanie Castillo, Contributor
June 09, 2010

New Study: Happiness Comes With Age, 12 Reasons Not to Fear Getting Older

A new survey reveals that people’s level of happiness increases as they get older--see what these women have to say about it. By Stephanie Castillo
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It’s true—happiness may actually come with age! According to this Nytimes.com article, a 2008 Gallup poll that covered more than 340,000 participants in the United States has found that once people hit 50, they experience a marked improvement in overall well-being. The results of the survey, which were published last month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, produced the following statistics: at 18, people have a generally high level of happiness, which steadily decreases as they get older; at 50, they experience an abrupt change—they suddenly start getting happier and happier as they age; once folks hit 85, they are happier with themselves than they were in their youth.

The survey also suggests similar patterns in stress, anger, and sadness. People who are 22 and older seem to experience a continuous decline in their stress levels as they age—the lowest point of stress manifesting at around 85. Angsty teens will find their anger levels decreasing from age 18 onwards, and while feelings of sadness increase gradually through the years, they peter out at age 50 until the mid-70s, reprising ever so slightly in the mid-80s.

The results of the survey were of so much interest to experts that a new study based on its findings was actually carried out. We at FN were compelled in very much the same way—and we asked 12 fabulous forty- and fifty-somethings to ponder this question: “What is the best thing about getting older?” See the gallery below for their candid, confident, and completely age-defying answers!

(Photos by Wesley Villarica, Dix Perez, Tweetie de Leon)
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  • pixiedusk Jun 09 2010 @ 05:12am Report Abuse
       
    i wish i can age as gracously as them! They all look young for their age and they all look confident in their own skin!
    Last modified A long time ago
  • lulu Jun 09 2010 @ 08:43am Report Abuse
       
    as we age we become more content and count our blessings more...
    Last modified A long time ago
  • Juno Jun 09 2010 @ 11:11pm Report Abuse
       
    they all look so happy nga. ok im not so worried anymore about becoming old. cougars!
    Last modified A long time ago
  • aprilpug Jun 10 2010 @ 07:35am Report Abuse
       
    it's a good hindsight. as we age, we become happier..
    Last modified A long time ago
  • Jocelyn Jun 10 2010 @ 08:39am Report Abuse
       
    Hello Ms O!



    I'm a big fan. How come we don't see you on TV anymore? I attended some of your workshops and learned a lot! Hope to see you again.Cheers and Godbless, more power!
    Last modified A long time ago
  • maan Jun 15 2010 @ 02:33pm Report Abuse
       
    I agree with Ms. Joy Buensalido, I am beginning to enjoy life now that my kids are all grown ups. It comes with freedom with financial burden since most of them are now graduates and I have more free time to do some things which I love doing without thinking of anything just myself. I love it... just hope that I would age with my man still around me...
    Last modified A long time ago
  • prettylass8831 Jun 16 2010 @ 10:53am Report Abuse
       
    I really think that some women get more attractive as they mature. With age comes wisdom and character.
    Last modified A long time ago
  • ube Jun 18 2010 @ 11:42am Report Abuse
       
    they are all such an inspirations. what they've achieved and what they are still accomplishing are admirable. women power indeed!!
    Last modified A long time ago
  • lynne Jun 21 2010 @ 05:48am Report Abuse
       
    just keep smilin' :) this will contribute a lot in aging gracefully aside from healthy living.
    Last modified A long time ago
  • teresahundana Jun 28 2010 @ 02:43am Report Abuse
       
    kalabaw lang ang tumatanda, hehehe
    Last modified A long time ago
  • cheska_07 Jun 30 2010 @ 02:34am Report Abuse
       
    I would definetly have to add my mom here:) at the age of 47.Succesful,daughter,wife,mother of two,cervical cancer survivor.Im proud to say shes my mom.



    attached a link on her recent photo:



    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000773666257&ref=ts#!/photo.php?pid=130648&id=100000773666257
    Last modified A long time ago
  • damselflypoet Jul 03 2010 @ 07:46pm Report Abuse
       
    Wow! It's still a long way 'til 50...
    Last modified A long time ago
  • ella_gurl Jul 22 2010 @ 09:12pm Report Abuse
       
    Am in entering my 30's and will make these empowered women my role models in aging gracefully...
    Last modified A long time ago
  • Roda May 13 2011 @ 06:59pm Report Abuse
       
    beauty fades... but the most important is how you've handles yourself as a woman, wife and a mother
    Last modified A long time ago
  • mavic balisi Oct 06 2011 @ 04:43pm Report Abuse
       
    yes, it's true. ageing is not at all expensive. you can still live beautifully, age gracefully inside & out...by keeping a positive mindset. good thoughts & good attitude. I admire them for being unique individuals who possess beauty not only on the physical aspect but what radiates from the inside. who would say that I'm 44...
    Last modified A long time ago
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Stephanie Castillo
Contributor
Stephanie Castillo is a freelance writer and fashion stylist. Her column, Stylewise, appears on FN every Friday... Read more...
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