A stud y of 341,000 people published by the American National Academy of Sciences (www.nasonline.org) has found that enjo yment of life dwindled in early adulthood, but took an upward turn in the late 40s, finally peaking at the age of 85. Elderly people today not only benefit from better health and a secure income, but also from heightened language and decision - making abilities – which continue to improve throughout life as the brain matures.

The findings are explained in You ’re Looking Very Well by Professor Lewis Wolpert who beli e ves that this late - onset bliss may be because in old age we become more selective about how we use our time, focusing more on things we enjoy, rather than the things that make us unhappy.