Analysis: The secrets of a happy life lie in the past
Even for those with robust mental health, the looming threat of redundancy and/or unemployment ?provokes anxiety. For those with families to support, the potential loss of their livelihood is hard to ignore. And I think when the cuts really start to bite, the results of the OECD's survey will strike a rather false note.
Dig deeper and Britain only ranks 15th out of 34 on the broadest measure of life satisfaction, a long way behind Denmark and Norway. Why? Because, unlike Britain, these countries emphasise wellbeing over wealth. The gap between rich and poor is a fraction of that found here.
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Hide AdIt seems to me that what makes people happy is feeling safe and secure, financially and otherwise; knowing their work is meaningful and their lives have purpose, and not buying into the media-driven notion that wealth, celebrity and eternal youth are to be prized above all else.
Our parents and their parents knew this. They valued family, a sensible mix of work and play, and community. We may have more material comfort than our forebears did, but I'm not sure we're any happier.
• Dan Roberts is a therapist and wellbeing coach