Preprint · Aug 25, 2024
Successful Happiness Pursuit in Late Adulthood: An Intergoal Compatibility Account
By Gong X, Wong N
Older adults experience higher levels of happiness than younger adults. This could be because individuals prioritize happiness goals as they age. However, it remains unclear why older adults are more successful at meeting happiness goals. This review proposes an intergoal compatibility account, asserting that happiness goals and other important goals are more compatible (i.e., fewer conflicts and greater facilitation) in late adulthood due to goal adjustments. The increased compatibility boosts the happiness of older adults through mechanisms that increase the effectiveness of happiness pursuit and endurance of happiness, such as increasing the desirability and meaningfulness of happiness pursuit, facilitating the progress of other important personal goals, and reducing the distress caused by goal conflicts. In addition to the existing theories about how older adults are more motivated to achieve happiness, this new account explains why they can do so, contributing to a better understanding of age-related changes in happiness.