Happiness is ... over 70

Schooldays are said to be the best days of our lives but an analysis of Britain's "wellbeing" index suggests that people feel happiest in their 70s.

New figures from the UK's Office for National Statistics show that, far from slowing down, people turning 70 are embarking on a golden decade.

General contentment and sense of worth peak in the early 70s, and analysis of basic happiness patterns shows an even longer peak, from when people retire to just before their 80th birthday.

About 41% of people of 70 to 75 rate their happiness at least nine out of 10.

The figures pinpoint middle age as the least carefree time of life, with those in their late 40s and 50s ranking their anxiety higher than other age groups.