Lyla Lindsey
Australian Unity has been supporting the wellbeing of Australians since 1840. The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, developed with Deakin University, has measured and explored the wellbeing of Australians as individuals, a community, and a nation. The index has found that what makes us happy changes as our life priorities evolve. For example, the data shows that people aged 76 and over have the highest wellbeing of all, while the low point for life satisfaction comes in midlife, specifically between the ages of 46 and 55. Additionally, the simple act of volunteering has been found to bring community, connection, and happiness. According to the Wellbeing Index, people who see volunteering as their greatest source of personal achievement have higher levels of happiness than those who nominate other sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Satisfaction with physical wellbeing | Declines as we age |
| Satisfaction with standard of living | Increases as we age |
| Satisfaction with relationships | Increases as we age |
| Satisfaction with sense of community | Increases as we age |
| Satisfaction with future security | Increases as we age |
| Satisfaction with government | Has declined in the past decade, with a spike in 2020 due to the government's response to COVID-19 |
| Satisfaction with national security, society and the environment | Has increased in the past decade |
| Satisfaction with the economy and business | Has decreased in the past decade |
| Satisfaction with access to public healthcare | Positive |
| Satisfaction with living in a civil and safe society | Positive |
| Satisfaction with a stable economy | Positive |
| Satisfaction with intimate relationships | Positive |
| Satisfaction with volunteering | Positive |
| Satisfaction with contributing to something bigger than oneself | Positive |
| Satisfaction with being connected to a community | Positive |
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What You'll Learn
The link between volunteering and happiness
Volunteering brings a sense of community and connection, which are essential for happiness. It allows people to contribute to something bigger than themselves and to feel a sense of belonging. This is particularly important as we age and our priorities shift towards intrinsic factors such as our relationships and community. The research found that older people, specifically those over 76, reported the highest levels of connectedness and wellbeing, with volunteering being a key contributor.
The average volunteer in Australia is female, in a relationship, and aged 60. Interestingly, women tend to experience a greater boost in happiness from volunteering than men. Female volunteers have the highest wellbeing scores of any occupation status, while male volunteers have below-normal scores. However, Grace Singh, General Manager of Community, Wellbeing, and Safety at Australian Unity, notes that anyone can volunteer, regardless of gender. It is often about providing personal value and contributing to the community.
Volunteering allows people to invest their time and skills in an area they are passionate about, which leads to higher levels of satisfaction and wellbeing. It can also be a way to develop specific skills and forge new connections. Overall, volunteering brings balance and satisfaction to life, contributing to a sense of purpose and happiness.
Through its research, Australian Unity has been advocating for positive community change and supporting the wellbeing of Australians since 1840. By understanding the link between volunteering and happiness, we can promote initiatives that encourage community contribution and, in turn, enhance the wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole.
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The importance of intimate relationships
Humans are inherently social creatures, and our happiness and wellbeing are deeply intertwined with our connections to others. Maintaining intimate relationships can have a profound impact on our quality of life, and as our life priorities evolve, so too do the factors that contribute to our happiness.
The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, developed in partnership with Deakin University, has been measuring the wellbeing of Australians for over 20 years. This research has consistently shown that community connectedness is a significant contributor to our sense of wellbeing. As we age, our health may decline, but this is often offset by other factors, such as increased satisfaction with our relationships and sense of community. The research found that connectedness increases after the age of 55, with those over 76 reporting the highest levels of connectedness and wellbeing.
Intimate relationships, whether with a life partner or a close circle of friends, can be an essential investment in our wellbeing. These relationships provide a sense of belonging and contribute to our overall happiness. As Beverly Smith, Executive General Manager of Residential Communities at Australian Unity, notes, "People invite connections, and contributing to something bigger than just oneself really seems to become far more important" as we age.
Volunteering is another way to foster connections and build community. According to Grace Singh, General Manager of Community, Wellbeing, and Safety at Australian Unity, "When you're investing your time and skill in an area that you're passionate about, you generally get higher levels of wellbeing." Research supports this, showing that people who volunteer experience elevated happiness and wellbeing. Volunteering allows individuals to contribute to something bigger than themselves and connect with others, which can lead to higher life satisfaction.
In conclusion, the importance of intimate relationships cannot be overstated when it comes to our happiness and wellbeing. As social beings, we thrive when our social connections are positive and rich. By nurturing our relationships and seeking opportunities to contribute to our communities, we can significantly enhance our overall wellbeing and sense of life satisfaction.
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How life priorities impact happiness
Our life priorities have a significant impact on our happiness. As we age, our life priorities evolve, and so do the things that bring us happiness. For instance, as our health declines, our satisfaction with our physical wellbeing tends to decrease. However, this is counterbalanced by increased satisfaction in other areas of life, such as our standard of living, relationships, sense of community, and future security. This highlights that our overall well-being is determined by a multitude of factors beyond just physical health.
The importance of social connections and community contributes to our happiness. Research by Australian Unity has found that community connectedness increases after the age of 55, with individuals over 76 reporting the highest levels of connectedness and wellbeing. This sense of belonging and contribution to something bigger than oneself becomes increasingly important as we age. Therefore, maintaining positive and meaningful relationships can have a profound impact on our happiness and quality of life.
Volunteering is another aspect that influences our happiness as it relates to our life priorities. According to the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, individuals who view volunteering as their greatest source of personal achievement tend to have higher happiness levels than those who find fulfillment in other areas, such as relationships, family, or work. Volunteering allows individuals to connect with their community, feel a sense of purpose, and contribute their time and skills to areas they are passionate about, thereby enhancing their overall happiness.
Life priorities can also shift due to external factors, such as societal events and the state of the nation. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable shift in the priorities of Australians. While satisfaction in achieving life goals decreased, there was an increase in satisfaction with the standard of living and personal safety, resulting in stable overall wellbeing scores during that time. Thus, our happiness is influenced by how we navigate and adapt to changes in our life circumstances and the world around us.
Overall, our life priorities play a crucial role in shaping our happiness. As our priorities evolve throughout our lives, we find happiness in different aspects of life, whether it's through fostering social connections, contributing to our community, or adapting to external circumstances. Understanding these priorities can help us create a life that aligns with our values and brings us true happiness.
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The role of community connectedness
Humans are inherently social beings, and our happiness and wellbeing thrive when we have positive and rich social connections. Community connectedness is a crucial aspect of our overall sense of wellbeing, and it becomes even more important as we age.
Research by Australian Unity, a company that has been supporting the wellbeing of Australians since 1840, reveals that older Australians experience a greater sense of community connectedness. Their data shows that connectedness steadily increases after the age of 55, with individuals over 76 reporting the highest levels of connectedness and wellbeing. This contradicts the common misconception that old age is characterised by loneliness.
Beverly Smith, Executive General Manager of Residential Communities at Australian Unity, offers insight into this phenomenon: "As people pass that 65-year-old threshold, the intrinsic factors become more important. People invite connections, and contributing to something bigger than just oneself really seems to become far more important." This shift in perspective highlights the increasing value placed on community and social connections as we age.
Volunteering is one way that individuals can enhance their community connectedness and, in turn, their happiness. Australian Unity's research found a strong connection between volunteering and wellbeing, with many individuals reporting elevated happiness and wellbeing due to their volunteer work. Grace Singh, General Manager of Community, Wellbeing, and Safety at Australian Unity, explains that "volunteering is about 'I have time, where would it add most value and contribute to the community?'". This sense of contributing to something bigger than oneself and forging connections within the community can significantly impact one's happiness.
Overall, community connectedness plays a vital role in our happiness and wellbeing, and it is something that many older Australians experience and value. By fostering positive social connections and contributing to our communities, we can enhance our sense of wellbeing and find happiness in unexpected places.
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The influence of societal factors
One significant societal factor is access to public healthcare. The availability of quality healthcare services contributes to our sense of security and well-being. Living in a civil and safe society is another essential aspect of societal influence. Feeling safe and secure in our communities enhances our overall happiness and life satisfaction.
The stability of the economy also plays a vital role in societal factors affecting happiness. A strong and stable economy contributes to a higher standard of living, which positively impacts our sense of financial security and overall well-being. Additionally, societal factors such as national security, the environment, and the state of the economy can influence our happiness. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia saw a notable spike in satisfaction with the government due to its active response, resulting in stable overall well-being scores despite the challenging circumstances.
Furthermore, societal factors can influence our personal relationships and sense of community. As social beings, our happiness is deeply connected to our relationships and sense of belonging. Volunteering, for instance, has been shown to positively impact well-being by fostering community engagement and a sense of contribution. According to the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, female volunteers aged 60 and in relationships reported the highest well-being scores, highlighting the interplay between societal factors and personal circumstances in shaping our happiness.
Overall, the influence of societal factors on happiness is multifaceted and dynamic. It encompasses various aspects of our lives, from healthcare and economic stability to personal safety and community engagement. Understanding these factors is crucial in fostering a society that promotes the well-being and happiness of its members.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index is a study of wellbeing in Australia, developed in partnership with Deakin University. The index measures the impact of societal events and community factors, such as access to public healthcare and living in a safe society, on the lives of Australians.
The index has found that community connectedness and intimate relationships have a significant impact on happiness. Volunteering is also linked to higher levels of happiness, as it provides a sense of belonging and contributes to something bigger than oneself.
According to Australian Unity, older people tend to have a greater sense of satisfaction with their standard of living, relationships, community, and future security. Wellbeing Index data shows that people aged 76 and over have the highest wellbeing of all, while the low point for life satisfaction comes in midlife, between the ages of 46 and 55.
Australian Unity's research has found that women who volunteer have the highest wellbeing scores of any occupation status, while male volunteers have below-normal wellbeing scores. However, it is unclear whether this difference is due to gender or personality traits.
