Over 55s the happiest generation

Emma Soames, Editor at large, Saga Magazine comments on the report from Standard Life which claims that the over 55s are the happiest generation: "We wholeheartedly agree that the over 55s are the happiest generation. From our experience, we believe that people aged over 50 relinquish the hang ups which affect younger generations and have the freedom to pursue their own goals.

"The over 55s are generally not as financially burdened as those in their 30s and 40s, who often have to cope with mortgages and childcare costs, which adds to their ability to lead a contented existence.

"Recent research conducted by Saga also found that happiness amongst the over 50s varies by region, and we found that Dorset was the number one choice, with almost all (92%) of residents recommending it as the ideal location for retirement. Fife and Aberdseenshire were also top places for happy dwellers amongst the over 50s. The unhappiest retirees were found in Greater Manchester, where over half (53%) of the population would not recommend their town to the older generation. Overall the research concluded that living in the countryside was more beneficial to happiness in later life".