Do our positive emotions diminish as we age?

many thanks to Radu Dumitrescu for allowing me to use this picture

Recently, I’ve seen many patients in their 40s and 50s who report experiencing a predominantly flat emotional life, struggling to feel intense positive emotions like excitement, happiness, delight or joy.  Having completed my PhD on the extent to which high emotional self-regulation might lead to a flat emotional life, I find this subject particularly compelling. Reflecting on why my patients’ emotional life is like this, numerous potential explanations arise.

Does genetics influence our emotional life?

Studies suggest genetics account for 30-40% of the influence on our happiness and life satisfaction, which could mean that some people have constraints on the intensity of their emotions. Despite this, genetic factors can not fully explain the decrease in intensity as us grow older. It is likely influenced by environmental factors like social interactions, life experiences, level of emotional self-regulation and perhaps certain personality traits.

Is having a flat emotional life common?

The novelty of life experiences diminishes with age, with most social gatherings—weddings, conferences, parties, business meetings, etc.—revolving around food, drinks, music, and social interaction. We are observing many shared characteristics. The intensity of positive emotions during childhood stems from experiencing many things for the first time. Even time seems to pass quicker as we age. Therefore, we need to consider how to preserve and grow our positive emotional states.

A. One recommendation I give patients is to practice mindfulness by actively noticing and appreciating the small joys, pleasures and happy moments in their daily lives.

B. Many lack daily pleasant experiences; therefore, I suggest they cultivate moments of joy, relaxation, and enjoyment similar to the Danish concept of Hygge.

C. Besides personalised recommendations, I encourage patients to expand their social circles, meeting new people who offer diverse perspectives on life, society, and knowledge, stimulating their minds.

Essentially, a reduction in positive feelings is common for some, but not universal. We can take steps to keep our emotional lives vibrant.

References:

Bartels, M. (2015) Genetics of Wellbeing and Its Components Satisfaction with Life, Happiness, and Quality of Life: A Review and Meta-analysis of Heritability Studies. Behav Genet 45, 137–156 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10519-015-9713-y

Røysamb, E., Nes, R. B., Czajkowski, N. O., & Vassend, O. (2018). Genetics, personality and wellbeing. A twin study of traits, facets and life satisfaction. Scientific reports, 8(1), 12298. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-29881-x

Wild, K. J., Costea, A.R., Pintea, S., Macavei, B., Fodor, O.C., & Opre, A. (2024). The effect of focused reappraisal strategies on emotional intensisty. Studia Psychologia Paedagogia, 24(2), 177-200. doi: 10.24193/subbpsyped.2024.2.04