Behavioural psychologist explains why some younger generations are finding it hard to find pleasure

Web Team | 18th September 2019

The average person rates their happiness level as just 6.3 out of 10.

 

A study has found that quarter claim to be too busy to enjoy themselves as much as they’d like.

 

As a result, those aged over 55 – as you approach retirement and find yourself with more free time – scored themselves the highest at 6.9.

 

But 25-34-year-olds are the least happy, averaging just 5.9 out of 10.

 

It also emerged over 55s do things that they genuinely enjoy more often than any other age group.

 

One in four over 55s experience at least 13 enjoyable things a month, compared to just one in 10 of those aged 25-34.

 

The study was commissioned by GALAXY Chocolate, which wants to empower the next generation to choose more pleasure than the last with their ‘Choose Pleasure mission’.

 

Jo Hemmings, a behavioral psychologist working with GALAXY said: “From the research it’s clear to see that some younger generations are finding it harder to find pleasure in their daily lives.

 

“As we get older and wiser, the realisation that life is too short to worry so much means more are saying “carpe diem” to life.

 

“It’s a common phenomenon that you start to care less about what other people think as you age, which clearly leads to a happier lifestyle.”

 

The study also found more than half of Brits regret not enjoying their life more when they were younger – whatever their age now.

 

And 18-34-year-olds are twice as likely to cancel a fun event or social occasion due to work commitments compared to baby boomers.

 

Younger adults also work more overtime and spend less time socialising with friends than over 55s.

 

In an average week, people will put themselves and their own enjoyment ahead of other priorities just four times.

 

And women prioritise their happiness just three times a week – less than the four occasions men do this.

 

British females also estimate more of their life is taken up with obligations such as work or admin.

 

Three in 10 adults even went as far as to say they prioritise too many things – or other people – ahead of their own enjoyment of life.

 

It also emerged Brits claim to stop worrying about the smaller things in life at the age of 35.

 

And as a result of wanting to live a more care-free lifestyle, 41 per cent think booking a short weekend away on impulse would make their life more exciting.

 

While a tenth would consider buying clothes they’d never normally wear in a bid to give their life more zest, according to the OnePoll research.

 

GALAXY’s spokesperson added: “At GALAXY, we’re all about living life to the fullest, whatever your age.

 

“And that’s why, with GALAXY Choose Pleasure, we want to empower the younger generation to find their pleasure right now. There is no need to wait.”