Age and Depression

But the good news is that if people make it to age 70 and are still physically fit, they are on average as happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year old.

Ever read an article and immediately say they’re talking about you?

If you’ve hit middle age (real middle age, not middle age if you’re living to 125) and you’re now a little less happy with life, cheer up… because you will cheer up! At least that’s what researchers have discovered at Britain’s Warwick University.

Your happiness follows a U-shaped curve. You’re happiest when you’re young and again, when you’re old.

One possibility may be that people realize they won’t achieve many of their aspirations at middle age, the researchers said.

Another reason could be that after seeing their fellow middle-aged peers begin to die, people begin to value their own remaining years and embrace life once more.

But the good news is that if people make it to age 70 and are still physically fit, they are on average as happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year old.

In other words, don’t be depressed about being depressed. Things get better, naturally. And these scientists have found it’s true around-the-world.

Of course the question is, will this knowledge trump actual depression? My depressing conclusion – probably not.