Survey shows that most elderly people in the Netherlands are very happy with their life

A significant majority of elderly people in the Netherlands feel very happy in life, a survey ordered by the elderly organization ANBO-PCOB showed. Around 60 percent of the almost 5,500 people who were asked gave their lives a grade of eight or higher.

The most important factor that influences happiness in life is mental well-being. Health, social contacts, living area, and financial situation also make a significant difference.

A quarter of the people surveyed gave their lives a seven. Only a minority of six percent indicated their happiness in life is unsatisfactory (grades of one to five). The average number that participants gave while grading their lives is 7.6

The results of the “Elderly Happiness Barometer,” show that there are large differences between elderly people in the Netherlands. Those who rated themselves as “in top shape emotionally,” gave life an average score of 8.7.

The group that feels worried and emotionally exhausted did not give it higher than a 5.4. Elderly people who are not limited by health problems score two points higher than seniors who experience "severe limitations" from them. People with many social contacts and elderly people who do volunteer work also report more happiness in life than people who have few contacts.

Director-manager of ANBO-PCOB, Anneke Sipkens, was pleasantly surprised by the results. "The connection with other people, in particular, provides a significant dose of happiness," she concluded.

Research agency Abbi Insights conducted the survey. According to the researchers, the results are representative of characteristics such as gender, education level, and region.