Lifestyle and Life Satisfaction: The Role of Delayed Gratification

Abstract This paper considers the impact of two measures lifestyle—the consumption fruit and vegetables doing exercise—on individual well-being. Since lifestyle is likely to be endogenous, we correct for this by using dimensions delayed gratification as instruments. The ability delay enables individuals give greater weight investment component decisions rather than merely affective component. Our analysis based on UK Understanding Society Data, which covers 40,000 households over time. We find that instruments are positive significant in influencing lifestyle. In Stage 2, vegetable sports activity increase life satisfaction, though impacts vary men women. These results robust across income quartiles, region, gender, education age groups.