How wild swimming helped one woman find her happiest chapter yet

At the age of ten, Karen nearly drowned after getting into difficulty in a swimming pool. The incident left her with a serious fear of deep water, one she carried well into adulthood.

Fast forward more than five decades, and that fear has transformed into her greatest joy.

“My biggest fear has now become my favourite passion in life,” Karen says. “When I was 10 years old, I nearly drowned and had to be rescued by the pool lifeguard. Now, 51 years later, I wild swim in Ullswater every Sunday and absolutely love it.”

Karen was invited by a friend to join a Mental Health Swims group, a decision she says changed her life. What began as a tentative step into cold water soon became a weekly ritual, and a powerful source of friendship, confidence and wellbeing.

“Facing my fear has built my confidence and opened up a new world of outdoor fun,” she explains. “Being in nature, surrounded by a group of fellow cold-water dippers, gives me a boost that lasts the whole week.”

Now retired, Karen says she feels happier than ever, a feeling echoed by new research from SunLife, which reveals that happiness actually increases with age, peaking in our 70s.

According to SunLife’s Life Well Spent Report, just over a third (35%) of Brits say they’re happy and satisfied with life overall. But that figure jumps to more than half (52%) among those aged 70 and over. From the age of 50 onwards, happiness steadily rises, with retirement proving to be a key turning point for many.

The reasons? Time, connection and simplicity.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) of over-50s who have retired say they’re happier now than when they were working. Half (50%) credit their happiness to the people they love most, while spending more time on hobbies and in nature also plays a significant role. In fact, those who spend an extra 41 minutes a week on hobbies, and 43 more minutes in nature, report higher levels of happiness than average.

Karen’s experience brings those findings to life.

“You’re never too old to face a fear, try something new and discover more happiness,” she says. “I’ve found friendship, confidence and a sense of calm I never had before.”

Jacynth Bassett, founder of Ageism is Never in Style, says stories like Karen’s are a reminder that later life can be one of growth and fulfilment.

“Ageing is a privilege, not a punishment,” she says. “It can bring experience, confidence and, above all, happiness. SunLife’s research shows that it’s the small things, social ties, simple pleasures and time in nature, that really bring us joy. And it doesn’t have to cost a thing.”

That message feels particularly important as the cost of living continues to rise. SunLife’s research found that nearly a third (29%) of over-50s have had to cut back on activities and days out over the past year, while 16% are spending less on hobbies. Despite this, the research shows that money doesn’t feature in the top ten things that make people happiest.

Mark Screeton, CEO at SunLife, explains: “While some people fear growing old, our research shows that life often gets better with age. What comes through loud and clear is that the biggest sources of happiness are free – spending time with loved ones, being in nature, or enjoying a simple hobby.”

For Karen, that happiness is found in icy water, shared laughter and a sense of achievement she never thought possible.

“I never imagined I’d be doing this in my 60s,” she says. “But it turns out this is the happiest chapter yet.”