We always hear the glories of youth – how life is so much better. Sure, practically their bodies are shiny new engines, and yes, they have that impeccable skin. But while the young don’t have the aches and creaks some of us get later in life, we older folks do actually have some things to look forward to as we age. In fact, after researching several studies on attitudes and skills, things look pretty good!
Here’s why life is better after you hit age 50.
Your Overall Mental Well-Being and Satisfaction
In a recent poll, people in their early 80s showed the highest psychological wellness when it comes to our own selves. Youthful counterparts aren’t too far behind, but it’s nice to know that for most of our lives, the big picture just continues to look better and better by the year.
That said, we find our highest levels of life satisfaction peak at age 62, according to a study in Germany. So, we’ll find our overall life to look the best at 62, but we’ll be most content in our early 80s, which, all in all, is quite a healthy attitude.
Understanding Each Other
Another study examined the ability of varying age groups to identify emotions based on pictures that focused on the eyes, and only the eyes. The findings indicated that those with the best understanding of emotions shown in the eyes went to people throughout their fifties. Based on that information, seems we become more empathetic in this decade, which means we can interact much more clearly in our relationships, in turn making them stronger.
We’re Wiser
It’s true that as we get older we become wiser. Knowledge gained over time is the key to wisdom, some say. The evidence concurring the fact was found in a study conducted in 2010. Participants were asked to examine a situation and understand it, work through it, consider all the different conflicts and questions, and come up with solutions. Those who were 60 and older performed best with the task, easily understanding different perspectives, emotions, and ideas. Experience suggests this increase in wisdom.
Better with Numbers and Words
When it comes to pattern recognition, relationships, and memory, our younger friends win out. But, when dealing with arithmetic problems, the best performances belonged to the 50 year-olds. And when it comes to words, a study found that participants in their late 60s and early 70s had the highest vocabulary group of all. Go ahead and flaunt it with a crossword puzzle, or adding up the grocery bill with your children.
We Like The Way We Look
Here’s a surprising one – a Gallup survey found that Americans over 65 were the most happy with their appearance. So much for those young girls on the covers of magazines. The details are such that men most found their appearance appealing in their early 80s, and women said they liked their look at about age 74. So get out on the town, you look ravishing.
