The surprising key to happiness in later life
A monthly visit to the pub might be the key to happiness in later life, a new survey suggests.
British retirement planning company Age Partnership looked into cost-effective lifestyle changes over-55s could make to boost their happiness, particularly taking into account what people relying on a pension could realistically afford.
After surveying 1,006 respondents on the impact of lifestyle changes on their happiness, the activities most found to keep people cheerful into their sixties and beyond included monthly pub lunches, joining a club, going on organised day trips and buying a new pet.
Women were made happier getting a new pet, while men’s happiness increased after joining a club or buying a new car.
The most affordable options to raise your mood were eating out once a month, going on a monthly organised day trip and being in a club. In comparison, the most expensive changes which boosted happiness were buying a new car or motorhome.
The survey also found that if money was no object, the quickest way to get a happiness hit was to go on a holiday. Around three-quarters of those surveyed said it would have a significant effect on their levels of happiness. However, the high-cost of travelling ruled that out for many.
Preferences for certain activities also changed according to the age group, with the survey showing buying present for grandchildren becomes more popular as you get older. 37 per cent of those aged between 55 and 64 said buying gifts for grandchildren would be significant to their happiness, compared to 53 per cent of those aged 65 to 74, and 56 per cent of those 75 or older.
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