Which of the following is a reason why happiness typically increases as people age?

• A. Cognitive abilities such as memory and processing speed increase steadily throughout adulthood.
• B. Social networks always expand as people get older, providing more sources of happiness.
• C. Physical health always improves with age, leading to greater happiness.
• D. Older adults tend to focus more on positive experiences and regulate their emotions better.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question is about why happiness typically increases as people age, focusing on psychological and emotional factors rather than physical or cognitive changes.
2. Evaluate each option by considering common psychological research findings about aging, happiness, and emotional regulation.
3. Recognize that cognitive abilities such as memory and processing speed generally decline, not increase, with age, so this is unlikely to explain increased happiness.
4. Consider that social networks often shrink rather than expand with age, so increased social connections are not typically the reason for greater happiness.
5. Focus on the psychological concept that older adults tend to prioritize positive experiences and have improved emotional regulation, which research shows contributes to increased happiness.