Yahoo Lifestyle Happiness report
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A report conducted by Deakin University, in conjunction with Australian Unity, has uncovered the essential ingredients needed for happiness and it’s good news for your mum.
Yep, the researchers found women tend to be more content with their lives than their male counterparts, while happiness for both genders increases with age.
When it comes to living quarters, those who’ve shacked up with a partner rate higher on the cheery scale, as do people who volunteer.
Bad news on the finance front, the report also found happiness usually rises proportionally with household income of around $100,000.
Confused? Let’s break it down.
Gender
Overall, women are the happier sex. What’s more, significant life events such as unemployment, affect men more than females. Women also report being more satisfied in all areas of their life, with the exception of safety. Another key finding? Females generally cope better in difficult situations and during times of isolation.
Health
If you’re under the weather, fear not: as long as there’s enough emotional support and financial resources, those suffering ill health can still experience a ‘high quality of life.’
Painful and stressful conditions (think cancer and arthritis) reduce wellbeing levels below the normal range, while anxiety and depression sink rates further down the happiness chart.
Tipping the scales (falling in the moderate or severe classification of obesity) is also a factor in lower levels of wellbeing. Interestingly, males who are underweight report lower overall satisfaction, compared to women who are similarly as slim. The researchers believe this finding highlights the socially accepted norm for ladies to be underweight.
Finances
When it comes to love, it seems being hit by cupid’s arrow really does pay. Despite having matching incomes, those in a relationship are happier compared to those living alone.
Good news if you’re not James Packer. Once a household income hits $150,000, wellbeing plateaus.
For those earning less than $15,000, an extra $7143 is enough to boost happiness levels. And those of us falling between the $151,000-$250,000 mark? An additional $625,000 is needed for a similar shift in joy.
Financial uncertainty can impact overall wellbeing more than a spike in petrol prices and physical pain. Ouch.
Love and relationships
People who’ve tied the knot are just as happy as de facto couples that own a home together. The researchers put this beneficial effect down to security and commitment.
A note for singletons? It’s better for your wellbeing to be single than in a relationship with an unsupportive partner. Those who’ve never been hitched generally have less relationship support from family members, while ladies in a relationship often get greater support from outside the relationship.
When it comes to walking down the aisle, a Relationships Australia survey found the most popular reasons were:
To signify a life long commitment (68%)
To make a public commitment to each other (63%)
Security for children (62%)
And when it came to why people chose not to marry?
Bad previous experience (72%)
Avoidance of commitment (67%)
Strong commitment does not need marriage (63%)
Also worth a mention: Wellbeing amongst Aussies spiked after terrorist attacks, including September 11. The theory? People tend to reach out to one another after traumatic times.
Surprisingly, pet owners aren’t necessarily happier than pet-shunners. In fact, those living with animals were found to be less confident and less certain about their security. Sorry, Bruno.
