Baby boomers are amongst the happiest people in Canada. With optimal mental health, high job satisfaction/financial security, and firmly established relationships – boomers seem to hold the key to happiness.
According to a recent study, 74 per cent of Canada’s boomers are happy every single day. Findings reinforce that those who spent their childhoods in the 1960 s and teenage years in the 1970s were fortunate and are reportedly less depressed, anxious, and irritable than those born just a decade prior.
Some argue that boomers have had an easier time finding meaningful work; enjoying more financial stability and job satisfaction. But the main key to happiness? Having a confidante. Above all else, researchers say that having a confidante is the most important factor for a healthy state of mind. A person is over three times more likely to be in complete optimal health if they have someone to confide in – someone who is there for them and provides emotional security.
Human beings are social creatures – we depend on one another for support, understanding, and guidance. Experts say that social isolation is shattering to mental health. A lack of social contact can be painful to one’s psyche and even physical health. The majority of boomers are in firmly-established relationships, and this is partially why they tend to enjoy optimal mental health.
Living in a technological age, the younger generations have grown up with the added stress and intrusiveness of technology and social media. Technology provides endless opportunity but it also takes away from our ability to disconnect and be truly free. There are demands and expectations linked to technology. With a constant need for contact – it can be hard to balance work, life, as well as an online presence. Some people feel like they always need be ‘on’ and reachable at all times, adding extra stress to their day.
For some boomers, the stressors are different altogether. There is a psychiatric professor in Toronto that works with 65-70 year olds who are struggling to find their identity in retirement. The main goal for the professor is to help retirees embrace a supporting part rather than a leading role in retirement. This is not to say that they should be in any less control of their life, but rather that they are able to acknowledge who they are and be able to move aside gracefully and become more of a mentor. The key is to remain as engaged and involved as possible.
So, we know that boomers are the happiest generation, but what else is directly linked to happiness? Apparently being female, being rich, being married, and being in good physical health are all linked to higher levels of satisfaction and overall happiness. What keeps you happy?
