Why 53 is the age we find ‘true contentment’

BRITONS reach the pinnacle of happiness at the age of 53, a study has revealed.

Being able to embrace imperfections, not taking life too seriously and the possibility of retirement are just some of the positives that come with getting older, researchers found.

Other bonuses for over-50s include being as grumpy as you want and feeling less concerned about your body.

Crystal Ski Holidays commissioned the study of 2,000 Britons aged between 50 and 70. They found 72 per cent are ultimately happier with their lives now than when they were younger.

And 53 was pinpointed as the age when we reach “true contentment”.

Other positives that come with getting older are having the confidence to decline unwanted social engagements and the prospect of going on holiday more.

The study also found over-50s no longer view road speed limits as a challenge and do not worry about having to hold in their stomachs on nights out.

Being able to live without sex and the fact that secrets are safe with friends – because they cannot remember them either – were also cited as perks of growing old.

According to the findings, the average over-50 has £481 disposable income at the end of the month, £185 more than he or she did when in his or her 20s and 30s.

Friendships become more selective as the years pass, with the average 50-something having six close friends compared to nine when he or she was younger.

In all, 57 per cent of the older generation feel better off now than they did when they were younger – enjoying three nights out a month.

Fifty-four per cent said they spend more quality time with their partners, compared to when they were younger.

Forty per cent said they are happy with themselves.

And 37 per cent said they feel at ease with their lives, when asked why things are more fun now. Thirtyfour per cent said they now have time for holidays and activities and 33 per cent said they are more comfortable financially.

A Crystal Ski Holidays spokesman said: “The survey shows that over50s have a positive outlook and live life to the full.

“With more disposable income, we see more and more of the over-50s hitting the slopes for one of their two holidays a year.”

NEW research has found that a large majority of Britons between 50 and 70 are happier now than in their younger days. Top reasons include getting to buy comfortable shoes, being allowed to be grumpy and having more time for hobbies.

Fifty-three is given as the best age of all but plenty of people will disagree. Like a fine wine, for lots of us things keep getting better with age.