January 31, 2008
Forty-somethings more likely to be depressed
A new study out reports that rates of depression are not uniform and that those in their 40's are the most likely to be depressed.
From Reuters:
The British and U.S. researchers found that happiness for people ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe follows a U-shaped curve where life begins cheerful before turning tough during middle age and then returning to the joys of youth in the golden years.
The article continues saying that in 72 countries people follow a pattern where depression builds until age 40 where it peaks and then starts to decline.
But the good news is that if people make it to aged 70 and are still physically fit, they are on average as happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year old.
The study will appear in an upcoming issue of Social Science & Medicine.