Overall, the world has been becoming a better place for quite some time (for an in-depth consideration I encourage you to read Steven Pinker’s latest book: Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism and Progress). As someone who has always lived in America, however, I’m troubled by the decline in well-being that happened in the United States in 2017.
Troublesome Year
According to the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index, 2017 was a bad year. In fact, it was the worst year on record:
- For the first time ever, zero states saw statistically significant improvement from the year before
- Nearly half of all states saw their well-being scores decline by a statistically significant margin
- The Well-Being Index score for the U.S. as a whole in 2017 featured the largest year-over-year decline since the index began in 2008
Measuring Well-Being
The Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index score is based on metrics that make up five essential elements of well-being:
- Purpose: liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals
- Social: having supportive relationships and love in your life
- Financial: managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security
- Community: liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride in your community
- Physical: having good health and enough energy to get things done daily
So What?
While this measurement has only been around since 2008, it is worth noting that last year’s decline happened during a time of relative economic progress as compared to the recession and markedly higher rates of unemployment present in the early years of this survey.
As a follower of the Way of Jesus, I’m concerned about the well-being of my neighbors. The Gallup research points to changes within my country of origin that are having a negative impact on the well-being of those residing within its borders.
It is worth noting that the current American President was inaugurated on January 20, 2017.
- Why do you think American well-being declined in 2017? Based on your answer, do you expect it to continue to decline, to stabilize, or to begin to increase in 2018? Explain.
- What is your faith community doing to address well-being for those who call your city or town home?