Growing Happier

In this eye-opening Laura Carstensen keynote address, the psychologist discusses the unprecedented number of years added to our lifespans in the twentieth century and issues around quality of life that arise from such lengthening in the life cycle. Carstensen maintains that older people are much happier than middle-aged and young individuals, as evidenced in countless studies.

Drawing on examples from her intriguing research, Carstensen explores the evidence that demonstrates people get happier, more content and overall possess a more positive outlook on life as they age. Carstensen's research provides a hopeful view for the future, noting that "more years were added to average life expectancy in the twentieth century than all years added across all prior millennia of human evolution combined."