Good relations with family, job satisfaction make people happiest

Wellington, July 27 (ANI): Good relationships with family and friends and job satisfaction are what make people happiest, finds a new survey.

The annual UMR Research happiness survey involving almost 15,000 New Zealanders over the age of 18 showed that even socialising, having a sport, hobby, or interest in the arts can help people stay happy.

However, with economic downturn Kiwis seems to be less happy this year.

The happiest men are in Nelson/Marlborough, and the happiest women in the Bay of Plenty.

But those living in Wellington were the least happy of city dwellers.

UMR director Tim Grafton said that happiness is declining between being a young adult until mid-40s and then steadily increase to peak with those over the age of 75.

"Happiness and money don't go hand-in-hand as those on less than 15,000 dollars a year are slightly happier than those on more than 70,000 dollars," the NZPA quoted Grafton as saying.

"However, the least happy are those on middle incomes between 30,000-50,000 dollars," he added. (ANI)