Drop in personal wellbeing

The 15th survey of the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index reveals a drop in personal wellbeing to its lowest level in five years, directly linked to relationships and connection to the community. It also showed that older people are never happier than when the world is in a state of crisis.

Personal wellbeing fell from 75.26 in October 2005 to 74.11 in May 2006, the lowest since April 2001 when it was 73.48. The Index reached its peak in August 2004 at 76.3.

At the time of the survey (May 2006) Australians were feeling less threatened by external events which has caused overall wellbeing to drop back to a normal level. External threats are seen as feelings of unity and connection with each other.

This rise and fall in wellbeing over the years has been most strongly shown by the oldest segment in the population- people aged over 75 and living alone. Their experience of the 2nd World War as young adults and now not reaching out as much to others around them, are given as the reason for the drop in wellbeing.

The wellbeing index is compiled by Deakin University from a survey asking 2000 Australians about their satisfaction with their relationships, community, health, safety, future security and achievements.