Older Americans are more satisfied with their standards of living, and worry less about money. The research examining the state of well-being rankings showed that people over 55 years old tend to be happier than their younger counterparts.
The research, conducted as part of the Gallup-Healthways State of American Well-Being series, analyzed the overall comfort and well-being of people who are aged 55 and older.
Well-Being Ranks - Better For People Over 55
Overall, older people scored significantly higher across all the five criteria of the study, when compared to younger citizens.
"Older Americans do particularly well in financial well-being where they thrive at a rate of 53%, compared to 33% for those who are younger. Older Americans express satisfaction with their standard of living, worry less about money, and say they have enough money to do what they want to do - all at higher rates than those younger than 55", quotes the report.
Of all the United States, Hawaii is the leader of well-being for older people. The margin is significant, 67.0 well-being index score for its older population. The rank is 1.8 points higher than Arizona, New Hampshire and North Dakota, the states on the second position.
There is more than just one reason why older people scored better on this test. They seem to have higher rates of a health insurance, a personal doctor, and their dietary habits are healthier as well. Older people eat more fresh products than their younger counterparts. They smoke less and they worry less; they are not as stressed as the younger generations.
The Well-Being Index - Gallup Scores
When it comes to obesity and depression, they do spike from the age of 55 to 64. However, from 65 years on, both these affections decrease.
"People in the United States are now living significantly longer than prior generations, a trend that stands to continue. As a nation, we must improve upon advances in wellbeing, while developing new strategies to help Americans age well and thrive in later life," noted Joseph F. Coughlin, Director and Founder of the MIT AgeLab, quoted in the report.
The five Gallup criteria for this study that composed the well-being index score were: purpose rank, social rank, financial rank, community rank and physical rank. For three of the five criteria, Hawaii scored number one of 50.
The criteria address issues such as liking what they do, having supportive relationships, feeling safe and included in the community, being energetic and with good tonus and being motivated to achieve your life goals.
