In general, older adults report more positive well-being and higher levels of happiness compared to younger adults. Research suggests that both young and older adults anticipate a decline in well-being as they age. This disconnect between what people forecast regarding happiness and aging, and what they report in old age is noteworthy. Our study sought to examine how people in four different age groups conceptualized personal happiness and happiness for someone in older age group. Age groups were identified as follows: Millennials (age 21–36), GenXs (age 37–52), Baby Boomers (age 52–71) and Greatest Generations (age 73–89) based on Pew Research Center criteria. Fifteen focus groups with four cohorts were completed with a total of 103 participants. Group discussions were guided by a semi-structured interview. Group size ranged from 4 to 10 participants and age range of participants was between 19 to 89-years-old. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Thematic analysis of narratives was conducted to identity themes related to personal happiness and sources of happiness in old age. Preliminary findings suggest that happiness in each age group is related to socially-informed developmental roles. For example, millennial report successful individuation from parents as contributing to happiness, while GenXers highlighted balance between work and leisure as important for their happiness. Furthermore, Baby Boomers reported giving back to the community as important and the Greatest generation identified the central role of family in their happiness. Having a sense of purpose emerged as a dominant theme among Baby Boomers. Data analysis is ongoing.
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