Baby Boomers more satisfied with life than young adults

It turns out growing older isn’t so bad after all – Baby Boomers report higher well-being compared to younger adults, according to a new study.

Researchers found those age 55 and older express more satisfaction with their standard of living, worry less about money, have better access to health care, eat more fresh produce and smoke less than their younger counterparts.

Well-being, as measured by the survey of more than 173,000 Americans in all 50 states, takes into account sense of purpose, social life, financial situation, community and physical health. People age 75 and older reported higher well-being than those in the 65 to 74-year-old age group, according to the study.

“The trajectory of well-being for older adults is interesting because we do see a decline in well-being when people reach their late 40s and early 50s, but then a significant increase across all five elements after that,” said Dan Witters, research director of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, in a news release. “From previous research, we know that higher well-being correlates with lower healthcare costs and increased productivity.”

That trajectory makes sense, says Dr. Maleeha Ahsan, an Advocate Medical Group psychiatrist at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill.

“While people might look back fondly on their 20s, they don’t necessarily want to relive those times of change and uncertainty,” Dr. Ahsan says. “By the time you’re in your 50s, your career has been established and you might be enjoying a more mature relationship with your spouse and children. For many people, it’s a stable, satisfying time in their life.”

The report also ranks all 50 states in terms of well-being for older adults. Hawaii, Montana and South Dakota are at the top of the list while West Virginia, Kentucky and Oklahoma come in at the bottom.