Why do we get Happier when we get Older?

The Happiness Curve: Why We May Get Happier as We Age Michelle Wollet reflects on why she feels happier now despite aging challenges, and shares research on the U-shaped “happiness curve,” which finds life satisfaction often dips to a low point around the late 40s (with one study across 145 countries placing it at 48) and then rebounds. She notes the curve doesn’t account for individual factors like health, money, relationships, and loss, but appears frequently enough to prompt explanations: expectations may calm after the pressure-filled 20s–40s; emotional skills improve; and, per Stanford psychologist Laura Carstensen’s work on socioemotional selectivity, awareness of limited time shifts priorities toward what matters most and more intentional relationships. She also discusses the “positivity effect,” caring less about others’ opinions, redefining happiness from excitement to contentment, and pursuing new plans—like her podcast and business—without trying to prove anything. 00:00 Why I Feel Happier 01:26 The Happiness Curve 03:31 Midlife Expectations 04:34 No Finish Line 05:11 Editing the Guest List 07:18 The Positivity Effect 09:20 Caring Less With Age 09:50 New Plans No Fear 11:15 Is It Just Women 13:41 Redefining Happiness 15:41 I Have Plans Mindset 16:41 This Weeks Experiment 17:47 Closing Thoughts