The Aging Paradox

 

The "Aging Paradox" suggests that the older we get, the happier we feel. 

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that older people report feeling more satisfied, less depressed, less anxious, and less stressed than younger respondents. Individuals might buffer their losses and buoy their spirits as they age, including staying involved in meaningful activities and maintaining a positive outlook.

According to the LA Times, "people in their 20s were the most stressed out and depressed, while those in their 90s were the most content. There were no dips in well-being in midlife, and no tapering off of well-being at the end of life. Instead scientists found a clear, linear relationship between age and mental health."

That seemed true of this guy, who I sketched in a coffee shop in New York. He needed a magnifying glass to read his papers, but the whole time he was gently smiling.