Health, wealth and happiness: week 13
Doug Edmonds, managing director of 2CV, reports that Valentine’s Day has helped to warm the hearts of the British public.
The nation’s mood has been boosted this week as the 2CV Well-Being Index jumps by 12 points, registering at 47.
Nearly half of consumers questioned are content with their overall well-being, which is significantly higher than the previous week. After the downward trend throughout January, this is a positive turnaround that we hope to see continue.
With Valentine’s Day at the top of the agenda for many marketers during this period, perhaps the promise of this year’s occasion boosted consumers’ moods overall. Coupled with excitement surrounding the launch of the Winter Olympics and the start of 2010’s sporting calendar, well-being appears to be on the up.
The shift in well-being is being driven by women who report an uplift of 12 points, increasing from 37% to 49% this week. Men’s well-being also increased in line with the overall results, however, their satisfaction with wealth decreased by 8 points.
The only age-group to report increases in the individual aspects, 35-54 year olds registered a marginal uplift in contentment with their fitness and happiness levels. In contrast, wealth levels amongst the younger generation dropped 10 points from 27% to 17%. With the first pay day of the year already a distant memory, 16-34 year olds are feeling particularly stretched. Not surprising when total credit-card debts are on the up, increasing by £4 billion this year to £54 billion. Here are the results by each category:
Young People
Despite registering as the least happy age-group this week (41%) and reporting a drop in wealth levels, 16-34 year olds well-being has increased overall. This generation still report the highest levels of contentment with their health as half (49%) of those questioned feel fit and in shape.
Middle-aged band
This is a fairly positive week for the 35-54 year olds as no significant decreases in any aspects are reported. Following the Bank of England’s inflation report, forecasts that 2010 is going to a difficult year for savers appears to have not yet dented this group’s satisfaction with wealth. Health and happiness levels increase marginally and wealth levels remain stable.
Grey Market
Wealth and happiness levels remain stable this week for the 55-74 year olds at 38% and 56% respectively. In fact, they are now in the lead when it comes to their satisfaction with these aspects perhaps reflecting their more careful attitude to spending and current positive outlook. Unlike the other age groups whose health levels have taken a more positive twist recently, the older generation are the least happy with their health (40%).
