38 is the New 40

It has long been thought that life begins at 40, but a new report suggests that Britons are at their happiest two years earlier.

In general, respondents felt better about themselves in their thirties than when younger, suggesting that it’s “not just wisdom that comes with age”.  Twentysomethings were also more likely to care more about money than their health, and to look enviously at their friends’ lifestyles. They even spent more time fretting about getting old.

The poll found that on average 38 was the age at which people felt most content with their lives, but among older respondents, happiness reached its peak at 48, “reinforcing a belief that age and experience provide a wealth of benefits”.

An academic study published earlier this year suggested that individuals experience a “u-shaped happiness curve” throughout their lives, with satisfaction increasing in middle age as their careers and families become more stable and they grow more philosophical about their lot.

Those who were married told the new study that they felt happiest at 42, but single people said “true contentment” came at just 27.
Similarly, couples enjoyed social situations the most at 38 while those who never married felt most confident at 27.

Women were most at ease with their bodies at 31, a year later than men, but older respondents felt that sexual confidence did not peak until they turned 35.

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