From Youthful Hype to Golden Calm: How Age Shapes Our Happiness

Reported by: Nurul Addina Azime

What does happiness look like at 20, 40, or 70? Is it all about wild nights in your 20s, midlife crises in your 40s, and peaceful tea-sipping mornings in your 70s? Well, Gallup's latest global study dives deep into this question and the answers are way more interesting (and surprising!) than you might expect.
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Spoiler alert: Happiness isn’t one-size-fits-all, it really depends on where you live, how calm you feel, and whether or not you’re doom-scrolling every night.

The U-Shaped Happiness Curve: Fact or Fiction?
Let’s start with the classic belief: Happiness follows a U-shaped curve. You’re pretty happy when you’re young, things dip in middle age (hello, bills, burnout, and back pain), and then surprise! Things start looking up again as you get older.

According to Gallup’s global data, this trend mostly holds up. Many countries do see life satisfaction dip around the middle years and then rise again. But like all good stories, there are plot twists. The curve isn't universal, and cultural context plays a huge role.

Where You Live Matters… A LOT
Take Lithuania, for example. It’s currently the place to be if you’re under 30. It ranked highest in life satisfaction for young adults. Meanwhile, older folks in countries like Norway and Sweden are living their best lives, calm, content, and (probably) enjoying cinnamon buns with a view of a fjord.

But in places like Portugal and Greece, younger people report being happier than the older generations. So nope, the older-wiser-happier narrative isn’t a global constant. Cultural expectations, economic stability, and social support systems all influence how people feel at different ages.

Calm is the New Cool
You know what’s better than constant excitement? CALM.
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Seriously, Gallup found that calmness is a strong indicator of wellbeing, especially as people age. Think about it: when you’re younger, life can be chaotic. Deadlines, drama, dating apps. As you age, you (hopefully) get better at filtering out the noise and focusing on what matters. Older adults generally reported feeling calmer, and that calmness played a big role in feeling satisfied with life. It turns out that peace of mind might be the real secret to happiness.

But What’s Up With the Youth?
Now here’s the bummer: Younger generations especially in wealthier countries — are not doing great when it comes to wellbeing. Social media overload, the climate crisis, rising inequality, and the pressure to "succeed" by 25 — it’s a lot. A Meta-Gallup study found that 27% of people aged 19 to 29 describe themselves as very or fairly lonely. That’s more than 1 in 4.

In North America and Western Europe, young people today report lower wellbeing than previous generations did at the same age. That’s a huge wake-up call.

The Work-Life Feels
Let’s talk about work. Gallup estimates that low employee engagement is costing the world a whopping $8.9 trillion. 😳
Younger employees, especially those working fully remotely, are more likely to feel disconnected and disengaged. Loneliness, lack of team bonding, and unclear goals can make work feel like... well, work.

If we want happier workers, especially the younger crowd, we need more than free coffee and ping-pong tables. Purpose, connection, and meaningful tasks are key.

Internet: Blessing or Curse?
Here’s a twist, internet access is actually positively linked to higher wellbeing in most countries. A study that looked at 2.4 million people across 168 countries found that being online is generally associated with greater satisfaction and stronger social lives.

Of course, moderation is key (TikTok until 3 AM = not great), but the internet, when used well, helps people stay connected, informed, and even inspired.

Wrapping It Up: No Age Monopoly on Happiness
So, what does all this mean?

There’s no magic age where happiness peaks forever. Instead, happiness or rather wellbeing — shifts throughout life, influenced by a mix of personal experiences, cultural values, economic conditions, and emotional regulation (read: calmness!).

If you're young and feeling lost, know you're not alone and that things can get better. If you’re older and wondering whether your happiest days are behind you, the data says otherwise. And if you’re somewhere in the middle? Hang in there — the curve has your back.

Why This Matters to Us at 57Network?

At 57Network, we believe that wellbeing isn’t just a personal goal. It's a shared responsibility. Whether you're a young intern discovering your path or a seasoned professional navigating change, your sense of purpose, calm, and connection matters.

We work with people from all walks of life, helping organizations and individuals find clarity, direction, and balance. This Gallup study reinforces what we’ve always known human potential thrives when wellbeing is prioritized.
That’s why we continue to foster spaces where people feel engaged, valued, and supported. From growth-focused training sessions to human-centered operational strategies, our work is built around one core belief: when people feel good, they do good.

Let’s keep the conversation going about happiness, growth, and building a future where well being is part of the blueprint.
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Read the full Gallup study Here and dive into the data behind the smiles. And if you’re curious about how 57Network can support your journey toward greater wellbeing and impact, connect with us today!