New research confirms that happiness follows a U-shaped curve, with the lowest point occurring in a person's 40s. For millennials, this mid-life slump may be particularly acute, as data shows they have less leisure time than any previous generation at the same age.
The finding comes from the American Time Use Survey, conducted by the US Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2021 data reveals that adults aged 35 to 44—often called 'elder millennials'—spend the least amount of time on leisure activities of any age group, and the least ever recorded for that cohort since the survey began in 2003.
Instead of relaxing, this group is spending more time working and caring for young children compared to their counterparts in 2003. The survey also notes an increase in 'personal care activities', which includes sleep and grooming, though experts question whether this captures the true quality of rest for parents of young children.
While the U-shaped happiness curve has been observed across countries and cultures, some studies pinpoint the most unhappy year at precisely 47.2. Millennials, now entering their 40s, may find this low point especially challenging due to the unique pressures of modern life.
