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UCLA psychologist finds midlife brings lowest happiness levels, not old age

Huberman Lab · How to Improve Your Memory & Cognitive Function at Any Age | Dr. Alan Castel · July 13, 2026
UCLA psychologist finds midlife brings lowest happiness levels, not old age
Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab
How to Improve Your Memory & Cognitive Function at Any Age | Dr. Alan Castel
"After the age of 40, most people feel about 20% younger than their actual age. There's some interesting work on you know happiness being more curve linear like midlife is actually some of the lowest levels of happiness and life satisfaction."
Research shows happiness follows a U-shaped curve across the lifespan, with midlife representing the nadir rather than a linear decline with age. Older adults report higher life satisfaction despite physical decline, while middle-aged people experience peak stress and dissatisfaction. This subjective age perception predicts longevity better than biological age.
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Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab

How to Improve Your Memory & Cognitive Function at Any Age | Dr. Alan Castel

August 3, 2026 · 2h 28m · 8 Egleze moments
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