You’ve heard it many times before: You can’t buy happiness. But maybe you can do it anyway? In a recent survey by Respons Analyse, 69 per cent of those questioned answered that they were happy. Norwegians have traditionally been a happy people according to various measurements, but this survey shows a new trend: Older people are the happiest. In the “65 and over” age group, 79 percent answer that they are happy. – Something has happened to the elderly. We see that all factors that provide a good life increase with age, says researcher Ragnhild Bang Nes at the Institute of Public Health (FHI). Another factor that affects the feeling of happiness is the economy. – It gives security to have good finances. So, in a way, you can buy yourself happiness, because you can buy yourself freedom from worries. Worry definitely steals happiness, says Nes. And the happiest, they live in Rogaland. – It is not really that easy to say exactly why. But it is often the case that if many people in a county have a high level of education, secure finances and few health problems, then happiness is high there, Nes explains. Asgeir Kinn has a wallet big enough to buy a brand new BMW i4. For him, this is an investment that gives a feeling of happiness. – Things you buy can often bring short-term happiness. But houses, cabins and cars are something you use, so it can bring you happiness over a longer period of time. In any case, I smile when I drive a car that I like. Aud Foremann line dances at the Skipper Worse meeting place in Stavanger. She believes physical activity is important for happiness. Ingebjørg Guldbrandsen is often in training several times a week. But the conversation and togetherness afterwards is also important. Astrid Paulsen dances with a big smile on her face. She has children and grandchildren, which according to the survey can bring more happiness. But what about the younger ones? According to the survey, only 59 percent of those between the ages of 16 and 24 answer that they are happy. But Julia Lydzinska and Benedikte Sandvold Line at St. Olav high school in Stavanger are among those who call themselves happy. – We go to a good school and can go to the shop without stressing about anything. Has good health and good finances The married couple Signe (77) and Bjørn (78) Ørn in Sandnes recognize themselves in the survey. They are happy. – We are confident in each other and have good chemistry. Then we are healthy and have good finances. It means we can travel and enjoy ourselves, says Signe Ørn. Both have lived and live an active life. They believe that contributes to happiness. The couple also agree with researcher Nes that money can to a certain extent control the feeling of happiness. – Happiness is not money, but we don’t have to worry about not being able to pay bills, says Signe Ørn. Signe and Bjørn Ørn met in adulthood, but have now been together for close to 30 years. – Of course we are happy, says Bjørn Ørn. Photo: Øystein Otterdal / news According to the survey, the happiest people in the country are elderly Rogalanders with good advice. But other factors also come into play: This characterizes the happiest people 55 years or older Highly educated Good finances Has a partner Lives in Rogaland and in Western Norway Has adult children or grandchildren Belongs to the right in politics Drinks a little alcohol Extroverts Believers Source: Response Analysis Calls for political measures Norway has usually scored high in international rankings of the happiest countries. In 2017, we reigned supreme, but that is no longer the case. Ragnhild Bang Nes at FHI. Photo: Astrid Waller – We see that more children are growing up in poverty, the labor market has become more insecure, social inequality has increased and persistently low incomes have become greater. We must make political moves that ensure a good quality of life and an even distribution going forward, says Nes at FHI. She emphasizes that what is probably the most important reason why a person experiences happiness is that they are part of a community. – We need close ties, someone to lean on in crises. We need to be integrated, says Nes.
ttn-69
These are the happiest people in Norway – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
