Week 22: Health, wealth and well-being

This week’s well-being index remains static, registering at 38 for the second consecutive week.

As the index suggests, apart from the grey market’s well-being dropping by four points to 41%, this week there is little change.

Following the indulgences of Easter which brought a sharp drop in health levels last week, fitness regimes are now back in place and seem to be accounting for the significant increases in health across both genders and all age groups. In particular, women and the 16-34 year olds show significant increases in health this week, rising by 5 and 6 points respectively. With events such as the World Cup, Wimbledon and the cricket season approaching, attention is turning towards a healthier lifestyle as people kick-start their summer fitness plans.

The onset of warmer days bringing longer evenings, the forthcoming bank holiday weekends may be accounting for the increase in happiness across all groups, with the exception of the older generation. With election upon us, the possibility of change might be contributing to people’s sense of optimism. The increase in health levels amongst women could account for the 6 point increase in moral to 47% and the overall increase in well-being.

Interestingly, people’s financial satisfaction is on the rise across all age groups. With finances, taxes and the budget high on the political agenda, perhaps people feel that their concerns are finally being heard. Men are happiest, with 32% feeling content with their financial situation; a seven point lead over women. The older generation report a sharp rise, increasing this week by ten points to 45%. Despite a 5 point rise amongst 16-34 year olds to 20% they are still the least satisfied group financially and have been for several weeks.

Here are the results by each demographic:

Young People
This demographic is most satisfied with their health and fitness, a 6 point increase means over half of young people are feeling the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Financial satisfaction amongst this age group has increased by 5 points and happiness levels are also rising.

Middle-aged band
The increase in all aspects – health, wealth and well-being – is unusual in this age group as their sense of well-being is more likely to be affected by the conflicting pressures of family, job security and health.
This rise could be due to spending more with family in recent weeks following the Easter holiday. In addition to this there is the prospect of better times ahead, with all main political parties promising changes to employment, education and finances – issues of major concern to this group.

Grey Market
Well-being is now at it’s lowest for six weeks, dropping a further 4 points to 41%. Incidentally, this is the only age group to register a decrease this week. Health and wealth are on the up for the older generation, with wealth showing a significant 10 point increase to 45%.