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“What does Happiness Mean to You?”
Presented by Tanya Long

The World Happiness Report 2024 was released recently. The report is a publication that contains articles and results derived from world-wide surveys conducted by Gallup Poll, which are correlated. Fourteen quality of life factors are evaluated, including citizen engagement, technology, social issues, education and families, emotional well-being, physical health, food and shelter and law and order. 

The 10 happiest countries in the world are Finland (for the seventh year in a row), Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Australia. The US is no longer in the top 20. Canada is number 15. 

Regarding Canada, if you consider age, when you look at those over 60, Canada's position goes up to eighth; when you look at those under 30, it goes down to 58th. 

For the first time, the 2024 report was published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford. From 2012 to 2023, it had been a publication of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiative of the United Nations. 

Looking at the report, I wondered:

- were there any surprises in the list of which countries are, or are not, in the top 10;

- why do you think Finland is so consistently first;

- many of the top 10 are northern. What are your thoughts on why that might be;

- what can Canada learn from them;

- why is there such disparity in the results for older and younger people in Canada;

- what are some potential consequences of this difference?

On a more personal level:

- what does happiness mean to you;

- what specifically makes you happy;

- is happiness overrated;

- if yes then what is more important;

- can money buy happiness? 

Join us for a lively discussion, bring your own questions and comments.