Opinion | Maybe the older really are wiser when it comes to happiness
- Surveys in Hong Kong and Singapore suggest that older people seem to be better at the pursuit of happiness
Experts from the Jockey Club study suggest it is less about the material aspects of life, and more about taking concrete action, such as spending more time with loved ones, supporting each other and fostering quality communication, all of which strengthen relationships and lead to happiness.
From the study, we found that older adults prioritise contentment and find a sense of purpose supported by family, friends, community, religious faith and/or work. They tend to have greater self-awareness and are more other-oriented, sharing a concern for the younger generation.
Building authentic and meaningful relationships is important, and they are developed over time. These relationships are grounded in shared interests, backgrounds and values such as responsibility, independence and perseverance, which speak to older adults’ experiences of nation-building and the rapid industrialisation from the 1960s to 1980s.
