happiness is family and good health, say older people
THE older and younger generations are divided on what makes for happiness, a survey found.
For nearly a quarter of 18 to 30-year-olds, wealth and material possessions were the key to contentment.
But their older and wiser counterparts said pleasing others is the way to contentment, with one in 10 saying money brings happiness.
For the over-60s, fulfilment lay in having a family, chosen by 65 per cent, and finding love, supported by 36 per cent. And just half of 18-30s said good health was a concern compared with three-quarters of older people.
Money worries topped the troubles of younger people, with four in 10 saying their biggest regret is not saving enough, followed by concerns about their appearance which bothered one in four.
The over-60s most regretted not having travelled enough, a concern for 26 per cent, followed by not spending enough time with loved ones which worries 16 per cent. But the generations agreed on the importance of friendship, vital to 45 per cent of the young and 48 per cent of their elders.
Kirsten Stagg of car firm Skoda UK, which commissioned the research, said: “Money is more of an influencing factor for younger people while those older place greater value on life experiences.
“As we get older rarely do we look back and think, ‘I wish I’d spent more money’. It’s spending time with the people we love that fulfils us.”
MONEY is essential for happiness say the younger generation while older people have realised life is about making other people happy. What makes for a fulfilling life is a profound question. If this research helps some youngsters get closer to the answer, then it will have been worthwhile indeed.