The good life: George Clooney, who is turning 50 this year, is in for a treat
Don't be down if you’re 50 today – you’re entering the age of true happiness.
Researchers say many of those who have passed their half century are enjoying the time of their lives – comfortable and content with their lot.
This may be because they have the peace of mind of having paid off their mortgage, got the children off their hands or are simply enjoying spending more time with loved-ones and friends.
The ‘age of happiness’ emerged in a survey which questioned almost 1,500 people aged 50 and over.
It found four out of ten were more content with their lives than at any other period.
Many admitted they enjoyed a sense of achievement from their career and pride in having children who were settled in their chosen careers.
More time to spend with family and an active social life were also key factors.
It also emerged that almost two-thirds of those in their fifties feel more confident than ever before.
And 85 per cent said things they used to worry about when in their twenties and thirties were no longer important.
More than a third said they were no longer troubled by worries over their body shape or image.
Of those who were unhappy, more than half said they were worried about their finances or their health, and more than a third were concerned about their children’s finances.
Worries about children’s relationships and fears about the care and health of their own parents also stopped them feeling completely happy.
The study was carried out by the insurance business Engage Mutual. A spokesman for the
company said: ‘It is heartening that so many are finding that being in your fifties can be the most rewarding time of your life.
‘With increased life expectancy, being 50 is considered to be relatively young these days.
‘And if people have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and plan their finances, they may start to feel the benefit of their efforts in these years.
'With many 50-year-olds working, household finances can start to look a bit healthier.
‘There may be a bit of spare cash to spend on holidays and hobbies, rather than working solely to pay bills, debts and the mortgage.’
The spokesman added: ‘Being a parent comes with huge responsibilities. While you never stop worrying about your children, many parents experience a sense of relief when the children settle down, and they can start to pursue their own interests.’
According to the study, key factors for a contented old age included: Being in relatively good health; having more time to enjoy life; being in a relatively good financial position; having a relationship stronger than ever; being comfortable with your body; being happy with life achievements; having the mortgage paid off; knowing what you want from life; taking lots of holidays; pursuing hobbies and interests; becoming a grandparent, having a great social life; taking early voluntary retirement; having more friends than ever.
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