Happiness Increases with Age, Study Says

October 22, 2016

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. psychological / ˌsaɪ kəˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl / (adj.) – referring to a person’s state of mind
Example: Extremely scary movies may have negative psychological effects like fear or trauma.

2. content / kənˈtɛnt / (adj.) – not wanting anything more than what one has
Example: He won’t buy a new car because he is content with the model he has.

3. resilient / rɪˈzɪl yənt / (adj.) – able to stay strong or recover easily after something bad happens
Example: She has become resilient after a series of bad events.

4. stem from / ˈstɛmˌfrəm / (phrasal v.) – to start or come from something
Example: The problem stems from a lack of budget.

5. stability / stəˈbɪl ɪ ti / (n.) – the state of being resistant to change for a long time
Example: Young professionals work hard to achieve career stability.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
A community-based study has revealed that people become happier as they grow older.

For this study, a team of researchers from the University of California, San Diego conducted a survey among more than 1,500 people aged 21 to 99. The survey was meant to measure the participants’ psychological well-being based on their level of happiness, depression, stress, anxiety, and overall life satisfaction.

Survey results revealed that there is a linear relationship between age and psychological well-being. The result suggests that, as people get older, their well-being also improves. According to the study’s senior author, Dilip Jeste [DEE-lip YEST-eh], older adults or those above 60 were found to be happier and more content. They were also less depressed, less anxious, and less stressed.

According to the researchers, the findings may be due to the wisdom that older adults have acquired over the years. Jeste said that this wisdom helps older adults regulate their emotions and cope with stress better. They may also be more resilient and skilled in problem solving because of the experience that comes with aging.

The study also found that younger adults or those aged 20 to 30 had the lowest rating on their psychological well-being. They also had the highest level of anxiety and depression among all the age groups.

This finding supports the results of a 2013 study by the American Psychological Association. This study found that people aged 18 to 33 experience the most stress, which stems mostly from anxiety about work and maintaining job stability.


Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you agree with the findings that older adults are happier than younger adults? Why or why not?
·         In your opinion, what factors contribute to a person’s satisfaction in old age? Discuss.

Discussion B

·         Aside from those mentioned in the article, what other issues can cause stress among young adults?
·         What do you think younger adults should do to be happier and less stressed?

October 22, 2016