The U Curve of Happiness: Why Old Age is a Time of Psychological Bliss
This week’s Seminar is a self-directed activity. To prepare for the seminar, please watch The U Curve of Happiness: Why Old Age is a Time of Psychological Bliss and reflect on happiness across the lifespan.
When you’re ready, please respond to the following questions:
Reflect on the U Curve of Happiness that was discussed in the video. Does it align with your current life stage? Why or why not?
What are two things that you can do now to be happier during your current life stage?
What can you do to live more in the moment?
How will being happier now impact you as you age?
Unit 10 Seminar Human Behavior
Author’s Name:
Institution of Affiliation:
Course Name:
Instructor’s Name:
Date:
Unit 10 Seminar Human Behavior
Happiness as people age follows a "U-bend" where it is highest during childhood, lower at midlife, and higher again during aged days. The U-curve of happiness has been referred to as the aging paradox, where the threat of aging might fill a person with dread as one imagines mental and physical decline. The U-curve aligns with my present life as I feel less happy now than I felt during my youth. This is common as midlife is when people have supreme family responsibilities (Applewhite, 2019, 1:11-1:15). The declined happiness is due to the increased financial pressures, including family responsibilities and accountability to pay