current
Declining Well-being Indicators
Key non-economic well-being indicators, including life expectancy, mental health, and social connectedness, show concerning declines.
Timeframe
near-term
Categories
Subcategories
Impact areas
Detailed Analysis
The pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have negatively impacted various aspects of quality of life, particularly health and mental well-being. Life expectancy has fallen due to excess deaths during the pandemic, and progress in reducing 'deaths of despair' has stalled. Furthermore, subjective well-being indicators, such as feelings of worry, sadness, and loneliness, have worsened, highlighting the broader societal impact of these crises.
Context Signals
Almost 30% of people in OECD countries reported experiencing a lot of physical pain in 2022-23
Feelings of worry and sadness worsened in many OECD economies since the pandemic
Prevalence of loneliness ranged from 4% to 14% across OECD countries in 2023
Edge
Investing in mental health services and social support systems is essential to address these declines.
Promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing the root causes of pain and emotional distress are crucial for long-term well-being.
The decline in well-being indicators could have long-term consequences for productivity and economic growth.
