In the pursuit of happiness, Canadians often find themselves perched quite high on the global scale, revelling in contentment and satisfaction.
Yet, the latest insights from the 2024 World Happiness Report reveal a poignant reality: beneath this veneer of national cheer, a notable demographic is struggling to find their footing – the youth.
Released in conjunction with the International Day of Happiness, the report delves into data gleaned from the Gallup World Poll, canvassing individuals across more than 140 nations to gauge their overall life evaluations. While Canada maintains its commendable standing, sliding merely two places to secure the 15th spot globally, a closer examination reveals a disquieting trend: those under 30, grapple with pervasive discontent.
In a departure from previous iterations, the 2024 report introduces age-based rankings, providing a nuanced understanding of happiness across different cohorts. What emerges is a stark divergence in sentiment, with Canadian youth reporting significantly lower levels of happiness compared to their elder counterparts.
Notably, Canadian youth's perception of happiness positions the nation at a respectable 8th rank; however, this semblance of contentment swiftly dissipates when scrutinized through the lens of the under-30 cohort, plummeting to a sobering 58th place. This stark disparity underscores a concerning reality: while the older generations bask in contentment, a palpable sense of unease pervades the younger populace.
The situation resonates beyond Canada's borders, echoing a global narrative of intergenerational discord. The United States, too, witnesses a comparable trend, as youth sentiment languishes at the 62nd rank, juxtaposed against a more favourable assessment from those aged 60 and above, propelling the nation to the 10th position overall.
Meanwhile, perennial frontrunners in happiness, Finland and Denmark, continue their reign at the zenith of the rankings, epitomizing the elusive pursuit of collective contentment.
As policymakers and societal stakeholders contend with this disconcerting revelation, it becomes imperative to address the underlying factors contributing to youth disillusionment. Beyond mere statistics, lies a profound societal imperative: to foster an environment wherein the aspirations and well-being of every generation find equitable consideration.
