Aussies the happiest they've been in 16 years

A study has found Australians are the happiest they’ve been since the year 2000, with those over the age of 76 named the happiest in the country.

The joint Australian Unity and Deakin University survey found the average life satisfaction reached a score of 76.7 out of 100, the highest level since records began in 2000.

The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index breaks personal wellbeing into seven areas and this year’s levels peaked in safety, future security, community connection and standard of living.

Senior research fellow Dr Delyse Hutchinson said older Australians consistently report the highest sense of overall wellbeing because they’re often retired and "have less stress on their plate".

The survey of 1000 Australians aged 18 and over found record high wellbeing levels among those living alone, with their partner or with other adults, and consistently higher than normal levels for married people.

But the same could not be said for adults living at home with their parents, who were finding it hard to crack a smile.

Dr Hutchinson said this group's personal wellbeing dipped to its lowest point in a decade.

The same group also recorded the lowest levels of satisfaction for personal relationships, community connectedness and achieving in life.

On the other hand, the survey found they were the most satisfied with safety.

Dr Hutchinson said the “golden triangle of wellbeing” can be found through financial security, a sense of purpose in life and strong relationships.