Although international governments and organizations usually measure health, economy or life expectancy, these indicators They do not completely reflect people’s well -being.
With the aim of filling that void, a group of researchers conducted the broader study so far on well -being, Considering 109 applied variables to surveys conducted in various cultural contexts.
The study, led by academics such as Pedro A. de la Rosa Fernández-Pacheco of the University of Navarra, included more than 200,000 participants in 22 countries, including Spain, where 6,290 surveys were applied.
The objective was to identify both universal patterns and local factors that affect well -being, understood as a combination of healthrelationships, emotional stability and sense of life.
Age and well -being: a changing relationship
The results showed important differences between countries. In some nations such as Brazil, the United States and Australia, Welfare tends to increase with agewhile in places like Poland and Tanzania, it decreases. In countries like Japan and Kenya, a U -shaped pattern is maintained, with higher levels of well -being between young people and older adults.
One of the most outstanding conclusions of the report is that young adults, especially those under 50, They have lower levels of well -being than previous generations.
-In Spain, for example, young people They reported lower levels of satisfaction and personal flourishing that other age groups, which suggests a generational change in the perception of well -being.
The study also revealed that an childhood with positive family ties, especially with parents, influences significantly in adult well -being.
Having avoided abuse, having good health and not having experienced isolation in early stages of life were key elements associated with subsequent well -being.
The role of education, marriage and religion
In almost all countries analyzed, people with the highest educational level showed higher levels of well -being, although with exceptions such as Hong Kong and Australia.
In addition, the study found that those who They were married reported greater personal satisfactionexcept in India and Tanzania. Assisting religious services were also linked to higher levels of well -being.
The researchers pointed out that knowing the factors that affect well -being will allow to design policies that not only ensure the survival of peoplebut also promote a full life. This implies emphasizing emotional, social and relational aspects from childhood and throughout the life cycle.
