According to an article published in the Journal of Happiness Studies,
happiness lengthens life span as much as the avoidance of smoking.
While it does not lengthen the life of seriously ill people, it does
prolong life for healthy individuals. One explanation is that happy
people tend to institute a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand,
discontented people are chronically stressed, and this weakens the
immune system. Through statistical analysis, the researchers ruled out
the possibility that it was good health in the first place that was
responsible for both happiness and longevity.
A University of Cambridge study found a
gender difference regarding contentment. On average, females are
happier than males in early adulthood. In fact, males are at their
saddest in their 20s, when they are likely to be single with meager
finances. At 34 men are apt to be married and improving their monetary
situation. And by 48, their overall happiness exceeds that of women and
remains that way.
A Texas Technical University study
probed the effect of material possessions on happiness and found little
correlation: As we grow accustomed to our belongings, we tend to derive
less satisfaction. Researcher Jeff Larson states, “Simply having a
bunch of things is not the key to happiness. Our data show that you
also need to appreciate those things you have. It’s also important to
keep your desire for things you don’t own in check.” This appears to
imply that happiness comes not from having what you want but from
wanting what you have.
Can money bring contentment? University of British Columbia professor Elizabeth Dunn, writing in the journal Science,
believes the answer is yes, if it is lavished on others. Employees at a
Boston firm received bonuses ranging from $3,000 and $8,000. The
happiness flowing from the windfall was not determined by the amount
but by how it was used. Those who spent much of it on gifts or
charitable donations derived much more happiness than those who spent
it on their own needs.
Perhaps the subject of happiness is best
summarized from comic actor Bob Newhart: “All I can say about life is,
oh God, enjoy it.”