Aussie happiness levels reach 16-year high

Happiness levels in Australia have reached their highest point in 16 years, but the wellbeing of adults living with their parents has dipped to a 10-year low.

A man eats an ice-cream on a bench next to Bondi Beach in Sydney

Happiness levels in Australia have reached their highest point in 16 years. (AAP) Source: AAP

Aussies are the happiest they have been this century, but young and single house hunters are finding it hard to crack a smile.

Average life satisfaction reached a score of 76.7 out of 100 on the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index this year - the highest level since records began in 2000 - with those aged over 76 reportedly the happiest in the country.

Nationwide happiness has been on the rise since 2006.

The joint Australian Unity and Deakin University survey breaks personal wellbeing into seven areas and this year recorded peak satisfaction levels for safety, future security, community connection and standard of living.

Senior research fellow Dr Delyse Hutchinson says older Australians consistently report the highest sense of overall wellbeing because they are often retired and "have less stress on their plate".

The survey of 1000 Australians aged 18 and over found record high wellbeing levels among those living alone, with their partner or with other adults, and consistently higher than normal levels for married people.

But the same could not be said for adults living at home with their parents.

Dr Hutchinson says this group's personal wellbeing has dipped to its lowest point in a decade, despite the belief young adults sponge off their parents because it's easier than entering the property market.

"It's almost like they're forced to stay at home because they have no choice. They're stuck," she told AAP.

Adults living with their parents also scored the lowest levels of satisfaction for personal relationships, community connectedness and achieving in life.

On the plus side, the survey found they were the most satisfied with safety.

Dr Hutchinson said the 'golden triangle of wellbeing' can be found through financial security, a sense of purpose in life and strong relationships.



Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP

Share this with family and friends


News

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Mandarin-speaking Australians.
Understand the quirky parts of Aussie life.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Simplified Chinese Collection

Simplified Chinese Collection

Watch onDemand
Aussie happiness levels reach 16-year high | SBS Chinese