Rebecca Noble for The New York Times
According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, Canadians generally seem satisfied with their lives. However, a closer look reveals concerning trends among the youth.
Chris Barrington-Leigh, an associate professor at McGill University, notes a long-term decline in overall life satisfaction in Canada, particularly among young people. The report, which compiles data from the Gallup World Poll spanning over 140 countries, ranks nations based on average life evaluations over the previous three years. This year's release coincides with the International Day of Happiness.
While Canada maintains a position in the top 20 countries, it has dropped two spots to 15th overall. Examining happiness across age groups reveals stark differences. For instance, Canadian youth under 30 are notably less happy than those aged 60 and older.
In fact, the happiness of Canadian youth ranks Canada at number eight, but plummets to 58th place when focusing on respondents under 30. Barrington-Leigh suggests several factors contributing to this decline, including diminished support from family and friends, distrust in government, and heightened stress and anxiety among young people.
The report also highlights evidence of a mid-life crisis, suggesting that life satisfaction may decrease as individuals reach middle age. Felix Cheung, Canada's research chair in population well-being, emphasizes the importance of reevaluating societal perceptions of success. He notes that rising living costs and housing unaffordability may lead many young Canadians to question whether hard work can lead to a fulfilling life.
Comparatively, the United States has also experienced a decline in happiness, dropping out of the top 20 for the first time. Youth in the U.S. rank the country at 62, while older demographics place it at 10. Meanwhile, Finland retains its position as the happiest country for the seventh consecutive year, followed closely by Sweden.
Cheung attributes the high happiness levels in Finland and Sweden to a strong sense of community support. He highlights the presence of robust safety nets in these countries, which provide individuals with additional support during challenging times.
Both Barrington-Leigh and Cheung stress the importance of addressing youth unhappiness as a societal issue. They argue that policymakers must prioritize improving the quality of life in Canada to enhance overall happiness. This entails shifting focus from purely economic goals to policies aimed at enhancing well-being.
Recognizing the unhappiness of an entire demographic as a structural problem, Cheung emphasizes the need for collective action to address societal issues. He underscores the importance of reevaluating societal norms and policies to ensure the well-being of all Canadians.
