A recent global research study indicates that young adults in numerous affluent countries may not be experiencing optimal well-being across various life domains. This revelation came as a surprise to Tyler VanderWeele, a researcher at Harvard University, who had anticipated that middle-aged individuals would report lower levels of satisfaction in areas such as physical and mental health, relationships, income, and work. The study, titled the Global Flourishing Study and involving 200,000 adults from 22 countries, highlighted that the youngest individuals tend to report the lowest levels of flourishing compared to older age groups. While the term “young adult” was not explicitly defined, findings showed that in countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom, reports of flourishing remained stagnant among individuals aged 18 to 49 before gradually increasing later in life.
One notable exception was observed in Poland and Tanzania, where flourishing tended to decrease after the age of 60. The concept of “flourishing” encompasses various personal aspects such as character, virtue, and religious involvement within one’s social context. Despite Canada not being part of the study, co-author Eric Kim from the University of British Columbia suggested that Canada’s status likely aligns with other high-income nations. Factors contributing to one’s level of flourishing include happiness, a sense of purpose, and meaning in life. Kim emphasized that while high-income societies excel in happiness, they fall short in fostering purpose and meaning, which could be attributed to the diminishing presence of social structures like unions and religious organizations.
The five-year Global Flourishing Study, distinct from prior research, aims to provide a comprehensive analysis across diverse regions and longer time frames. Understanding why young adults today may be experiencing lower levels of flourishing compared to previous generations requires ongoing data collection and analysis to distinguish causation from correlation. Kim speculated on potential reasons behind this trend, such as concerns about technology making skills redundant and the impact of increased social media usage on mental well-being. To enhance societal well-being, Kim suggested incorporating flourishing metrics beyond traditional indicators like happiness and GDP into policy decisions, aligning with initiatives like Statistics Canada’s Quality-of-Life Framework.
Felix Cheung, a psychologist from the University of Toronto, echoed the study’s findings regarding the challenges faced by younger Canadian adults, emphasizing the importance of economic stability and mental health in youth development. Cheung recommended prioritizing investments in mental health services to support flourishing among the younger population. Researchers advocated for individuals to periodically assess their own level of flourishing, suggesting that regular self-evaluation could provide valuable insights into personal well-being trends over time. Recognizing the significance of community ties and social networks in promoting well-being, experts highlighted the need for initiatives that foster kindness and social connectedness to enhance overall societal flourishing.