LiveScience.com reports a new study has shown that happiness is on the rise around the world. Here's the skinny:
Researchers asked 350,000 people in 52 countries, "Taking all things together, would you say you are very happy, rather happy, not very happy, not at all happy?" And, "All things considered, how satisfied are you with your life as a whole these days?"
(Dear Researches, those are two very broad questions. But, ok...)
The answers were placed on a "Happiness Index" and according to the most recent survey, the happiness meter rose between 1981 and 2007.
So what country is the "happiest"? That's Denmark, where apparently we should all be traveling to this coming year. Denmark has ranked number one on the charts for years and I say, if they are all so damn happy I want to know why. What does Denmark have that I don't? Or, what is Denmark using that I'm not...
The most unhappy place on Earth? Zimbabwe. America ranks number 16 and the same study found that it's the Baby Boomer generation who is bringing us down. Apparently, "Baby Boomers are generally miserable compared to other generations."
Well, that's a pretty bold statement. I don't think my parents are generally miserable. I certainly don't think their friends are miserable. Granted, this is the same generation who practiced what to do in the event Cuba actually fired missiles against the U.S., and then this same generation grew up to fight in Vietnam. I can understand if there is a little residual annoyance left over from their hardships. I think it's fair to give them a curve on this test, but to call them "generally miserable" is a bit much, no?
The new survey also finds that people who live in rich countries are happier than those who live in poor countries. What a fascinating finding... (she said sarcastically while she read the study again to make sure this was actually printed).
So there you have it folks. Out of a possible 52 countries, America ranked a meager 16 in terms of happiness. It's time to ask yourself, "All things considered, how satisfied are you with your life as a whole these days?" If the answer is "not very", maybe it's time you head to Denmark.
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