Heresy or enlightenment? The well-being age U-shape effect is flat

► We scrutinize the Life Satisfaction Age U-shape effect for Germany. ► Cross-sectional results become insignificant with panel data controls. ► Respondent's own years of experience participating in a panel survey important. ► Interviewer experience and gender impact on respondent's life satisfaction answers. ► Importance of additional controls for interviewer characteristics, where available.