Happy hours, happy days

How our age affects happiness

No matter our age, being happy creates more happiness--making a better world for all of us. Sunshine. Hugs. Good coffee. The things that make us happy are as unique as our souls. But as difficult as happiness may be to describe, its effects are quite tangible.

Babies

For babies, happiness is rooted in the basics. “Babies are happiest when their needs are being met,” says a licensed mental health counsellor. “This includes physical needs and emotional needs, [such as] interacting and playing with your baby.”

For parents and caregivers, building a nurturing environment is key to raising happy infants. But also be aware of your own emotions. “Our brains are social organs—mirror neurons are at play, and we carry the emotions of others,” says a child psychologist. The emotional state and levels of happiness in caregivers tie right into the same of a young child.”

Teenagers

As kids grow up, happiness levels are increasingly defined by success and failure at learning new tasks—academically, socially, and emotionally—and by their relationships with other kids. Attempts to impress peers, get into university, or land a good job can really weigh on an adolescent’s happiness. Having the support of family and friends, and being encouraged to exercise and eat well, can help during these stressful times, suggests the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Adults

“When we are younger, what brings us happiness is forging ahead,” says a psychotherapist. As we get older, we slowly learn to appreciate more of what we already have, and that in itself brings feelings of happiness.”

The secret to happiness

No matter where you’re starting from, you can go to your next level of happiness,” says a psychotherapist. It starts with recognizing that happiness comes from within, not from getting everything you want. “Having everything we want in any given moment is closer to addiction than it is to happiness,” she warns. “Remember, happiness is more than momentary gratification.”