Australian Unity Wellbeing Index research shows life satisfaction improves as we age

While ageing is often characterised as a never-ending parade of wrinkles and creaky joints, the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index research revealed that our general satisfaction with life trends consistently upward through to retirement and beyond.

"As people age, they often become comfortable in their own skin," said Beverly Smith, executive general manager of residential communities at Australian Unity.

"They've achieved a lot of things that they wanted to and they're now in that headspace where they can relax and enjoy life without the financial pressures that younger people feel."

What makes us happy changes as our life priorities evolve.

As we age, our health tends to decline, as does satisfaction with our physical wellbeing. Fortunately, this is offset by a host of factors in most of life's other key domains.

The wellbeing index shows that as the years tick by, we develop a greater sense of satisfaction with our standard of living, relationships, sense of community and our future security.

Beverly said it was another indication that our overall sense of wellbeing relies on considerably more than just good health.

Community connectedness is proven to contribute greatly to our sense of wellbeing - and, despite widespread concern about social isolation as we age, it's something many older Australians have in abundance. The research found that connectedness increases after the age of 55, with people 76-plus reporting the highest levels.

"Reassuringly, our satisfaction with social support also increases with age," Beverly said. "While loneliness does increase for people aged 76-plus, the overall picture for ageing and wellbeing is a positive one meaning that these really might be the golden years after all."

Australian Unity has retirement communities in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

Phone 1300 051 477 or click here for more information.