When Are You Happiest?

Now that I am back from vacation, I came across a study that looked at when people are happiest in terms of their age.  Can you guess at what age people say they are happiest?  Can you guess at what age people are the least happy?  A study of 23,100 people between the ages of 17 and 85 was recently completed by the Center for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics.  They found that people age 23 and 69 are the happiest.  Can you guess why?  At age 23, most people have finished their education and are most optimistic about their future.  They have their whole adult life ahead of them.  At age 69, most people have gotten past of their regret over unrealized life dreams and goals, but also are not facing the same degree of health decline as older seniors.
So let's talk about at what age people are the least happy.  The same study found that people in their early to mid-fifties are the saddest.  People in their early fifties are taking stock of their lives and many experience regret about things they have done and sorrow over the unrealized dreams.  Speaking as someone in his early fifties, I might add that my body is not as fast, flexible and fit as it once was, so it wouldn't surprise me if this is at work as well.  But don't despair, because the study also reports that happiness begins to increase after 55 until the final peak at 69.  But then it is down in the dumps again when people get past age 75.
Wouldn't be great if we could experience happiness regardless of a person's age?  I think Jesus had an answer for this.  In John chapter 15 Jesus compares himself to a vine, His Father as the vinedresser, and His followers as the branches.  I am the vine, you are the branches.  Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).  Jesus is asserting here that He is the source of a fruitful life, and notice here is no age limitation placed on it.  What does having a relationship with Jesus have to do with happiness.  Jesus answers this in verse 11, These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  
Something to think about at any age!
Blessings,
Dr. Paul