Week 19: Health, wealth and happiness
The mood of the nation remains relatively stable as the election battle begins, says Doug Edmonds, managing director at 2CV.
This week’s well-being index drops by just 1 point to register at 38.
Women’s well-being dropped by 8 points to 38% and their contentment with their health also took a hit this week, falling 7 points to 45%. Women aged between 16 – 34 recorded the biggest fall in well-being.
Women’s happiness also takes a tumble with now over half reporting feelings of dissatisfaction. Following last week’s fairly stable week for women, it appears that the effects of Britain’s ’spring of discontent’ are being felt especially amongst this demographic. This reflects the drop in overall levels of satisfaction with health (42%) and happiness (45%).
In the run up to the ISA deadline, many people, particularly men and the middle aged group, seemed to take a good look at their savings and investments this week. Men reported a drop in wealth levels of 7 points and 35-54 year olds’ satisfaction with their finances significantly fell by a massive 13 points.
With the general election confirmed for 6th May and political leaders hitting the campaign trail we will be closely monitoring its effects filtering down to the ’man on the street’. Will the prospect of an end to the political uncertainty lift the nation’s spirits over the coming weeks?
Here are the results by each demographic:
Young People
Despite declining health levels amongst all age groups, 16-34 year olds remain the most happy with their health by some margin with over half (53%) feeling fit and in shape. Wealth levels remain static with just a quarter (25%) of young people happy with their financial lot. This is not surprising as despite unemployment being stable in recent months, economists warn of further job losses as more graduates than ever claim jobseeker’s allowance. Happiness remains fairly stable at 53% making them the most cheery generation for another week, and well-being dips 6 points to 37%.
Middle-aged band
Well-being drops by just 2 points this week to 27% in spite of 35-54 year olds’ major fall in satisfaction with wealth. Health levels are down 6 points indicating that money worries are perhaps taking their toll on their physical condition. Happiness levels remain fairly static at 35%.
Grey Market
The drop in wealth levels amongst the middle-aged group is counteracted by a large increase of 9 points amongst the older generation with 42% satisfied with their finances. A week on week decrease in happiness amongst the older generation now puts them on a par with 35-54 year olds and the significant fall of 14 points puts it at the lowest level yet (35%). With the ’grey vote’ tipped to hold the key to the outcome of this election, it will be interesting to watch how their mood develops.
