By David Saunders, Health Editor | UPDATED: 08:28, 26 June 2020
The average Brit rates themselves just 6.3 out of 10 in terms of happiness, according to research.
In a study of 2,000 adults, a quarter admitted they’re simply too busy to enjoy themselves as much as they’d like.
As such, those over 55 – a time where you are more experienced and sure of yourself – scored themselves the highest at 6.9.
But those aged 25-34 marked themselves with the lowest happiness score, averaging out at just 5.9 out of 10.
And the age Brits wring the most pleasure out of their life was revealed to be precisely 33 years and four months.
The research, commissioned by GALAXY Chocolate, who wants to empower the next generation to choose more pleasure than the last with their ‘Choose Pleasure mission’, also found those over 55 do more things they genuinely enjoy, more frequently than any other age group.
The survey, went on to reveal that one in four over 55s do 13 or more enjoyable things each month, compared to just one in 10 of those aged 25-34.
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.”
It also emerged that more than half of the population regret not enjoying their life more when they were younger – whatever their age now.
In fact, younger people aged 18-34 are twice as likely to cancel a fun event or social occasion due to work commitments in comparison to baby boomers.
The study found younger people will spend more hours working overtime, and less socialising with friends than people over 55.
With today’s generation feeling the need to do it all, GALAXY wants to encourage the next generation to choose themselves and things that matter the most, in a world that is ‘always on’. This could be anything from heading on a spontaneous weekend away, trying a new hobby that’s out of your comfort zone or simply sitting back and relaxing with some chocolate.
It also emerged women will prioritise their happiness just three times a week – compared to men who will put their happiness ahead of other commitments, four times a week on average.
And British females estimate more of their life is taken up by obligations such as work or life admin, compared to men who believe such duties take up less of their time.
Another 29 per cent think they prioritise too many things – or other people – ahead of their own enjoyment of life.
On average, Brits claim to stop worrying about the smaller things in life at the age of 35 and a half.
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.com research.
In an average week, Brits will put themselves and their own enjoyment ahead of other priorities just four times.
GALAXY’s spokesperson says: “At GALAXY, we’re all about living life to the fullest, whatever your age.
We really don’t think people should have to wait until they’re 33 to get the maximum pleasure from their lives.
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!”