Aging brings happiness

The conventional wisdom about aging is wrong — and Susan Charles has the research to prove it.

For decades, society has painted a grim picture of growing older: increasing depression, social withdrawal and inevitable decline. But Charles, associate dean of UC Irvine's School of Social Ecology and professor of psychology, has spent her career dismantling these harmful stereotypes with rigorous scientific evidence.

Her groundbreaking work now has earned her the Baltes Distinguished Research Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association's Division 20, the most prestigious honor in the psychology of aging.

Rewriting the Narrative on Aging

“The negative stereotypes of aging have existed for decades,” explains Charles, who directs the Emotion Research Lab. “My research shows that many of these beliefs are wrong — particularly so for emotional well-being and our social lives.”

In fact, her studies reveal that older adults are as happy — if not happier — than younger adults. Far from becoming isolated, seniors actually give more care to their communities than they receive, and they report the greatest satisfaction with their social relationships compared to any other age group.

“This isn’t just academic research,” Charles emphasizes. “These findings have real-world implications for how we design programs, provide care, and structure opportunities for older adults.”

The Power of Social Connection

Charles’ latest research uncovers another critical factor in healthy aging: variety in social activities. Her studies show that seniors who engage in diverse social activities — interacting with different organizations and groups of people — experience better cognitive health, emotional well-being and longevity. Although people need those close family members and friendships who provide their strongest sense of well-being and meaning in their life, her research has shown that interacting with a large and diverse network is related to less cognitive decline, greater purpose in life, and longer lives.

“Your social life is really important for your health,” Charles notes. “We know that social connections predict happiness and lifespan as much as objective health indicators like cholesterol levels at 40 or your genetics.”

Her research challenges policymakers and communities to think differently about supporting older adults. Simple changes — better public transportation, longer crossing times at intersections, or ride services to social events — could dramatically improve quality of life and health outcomes, Charles says.

A Vision for the Future

Charles’ work comes at a time when demographers predict that about one-third of children born today will live to be 100 in the United States.

“They can have a full, lively and healthy long life,” Charles says with evident optimism. “Chronic illness is not an inevitable part of aging. We now have hope that our later lives will be even happier and more fulfilling than they ever were before.”

Recognition for Excellence

The Baltes Award, sponsored by the Margret M. and Paul B. Baltes Foundation, recognizes researchers who have made exceptional contributions to the psychological science of aging throughout their distinguished careers.

“I am honored to receive the highest award in the field of aging and adulthood in psychology,” Charles reflects. “But I need to recognize all of my previous mentors, current colleagues, and students who did this work with me. This was a group effort.”

Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology, calls receiving the Baltes Award “a big deal.”

“Our school is proud of Dr. Charles,” Gould says. “She deserves all the highest accolades for her stellar research on aging and its influence on improving lives.”

Practical Wisdom from the Expert

As someone who studies successful aging professionally, Charles often is asked for advice. Her science-backed recommendations are straightforward: eat well, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, call a friend and, most importantly, stay socially active.

“The more varied your social activities and the more different organizations and people you interact with, the better your well-being,” she explains.

Charles will share more of her insights when she delivers the award lecture at next year’s APA conference, continuing her mission to transform how society views and supports aging.

About the Award Winner

Charles has received numerous honors throughout her career, including the Distinguished Mentorship Award from the Gerontological Society of America. She also has been named a Collegium Helveticum Fellow (2022), Association for Psychological Science Fellow (2016), UC Irvine Chancellor's Fellow (2014), and Gerontological Society of America Fellow (2012).

Her recent publications include studies on COVID-19's psychological impact across age groups, stress reactivity and physical health, and the mental health benefits of diverse social participation.
— Mimi Ko Cruz