The formula for happiness: Money income is not the main variable

Are we measuring what really matters? Spoiler: probably not! The Global Flourishing Study (GFS) invites us to look beyond economic figures to understand what it truly means to live well.

This massive study, led by the brilliant minds of Tyler VanderWeele and Byron Johnson, has focused on over 200,000 people in 22 countries. What is the goal?

To discover how people flourish in different contexts. And no, it’s not just about how much money they have in the bank. Here, happiness, relationships, life purpose, and even spirituality come into play!

More than numbers: the power of human connections

Surprise! It's not just the salary that makes us happy. The study shows that strong relationships, participation in religious communities, and finding a purpose in life play a crucial role in our well-being.

Imagine this: married people report an average well-being of 7.34 points, surpassing singles with 6.92. Is it true that love really cures everything? Well, at least it seems to help.

But, not everything is rosy. Loneliness and lack of purpose are correlated with lower perceptions of well-being. This is where government policies should intervene, according to experts. Let's forget about the cold numbers for a moment! We need policies that focus on the overall well-being of people.

A comprehensive approach to flourishing

The concept of "flourishing" proposed by the GFS is like a salad of well-being: it includes a bit of everything. From income to mental health, through the sense of life and financial security. It's a comprehensive approach that leaves no one out! And according to the researchers, we are never flourishing at 100%, there is always room for improvement.

Curious data from the study reveals that older people tend to report greater well-being than younger ones. But be careful, it's not a universal rule. In countries like Spain, both young and older individuals feel more fulfilled, while those in middle age seem to be experiencing an identity crisis.

The community as a key piece of well-being

Here’s a juicy fact: attendance at religious services raises average well-being to 7.67 points, compared to 6.86 for those who do not attend. Could it be that there is something in the singing of hymns that makes us feel better? Researchers suggest that these community spaces provide a sense of belonging that contributes to our flourishing.

The study not only invites us to rethink our well-being metrics but also to rediscover the value of community. It is a call to set aside the obsession with numbers and focus on what truly matters: human well-being in all its complexity.

So, the next time you think about well-being, remember that it’s not all about figures; sometimes, what we really need is a little more human connection.