New Delhi: The so-called "best years of life" may not be so bright after all.
An international study shows young adults across the globe, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 29, are facing significant challenges to their overall well-being.
The research, published in Nature Mental Health, is based on self-reported data from more than 200,000 individuals in over 20 countries.
The findings revealed that young adults are struggling not just with happiness but also with their physical and mental health, their sense of meaning and purpose, relationships, character, and financial security.
Conducted primarily in 2023, the data was collected by Gallup and analysed as part of the Global Flourishing Study, a collaboration between researchers at Harvard University and Baylor University.
The study represents the first wave in a five-year longitudinal effort aimed at understanding and improving human flourishing across cultures and demographics.
The findings showed that overall flourishing was relatively low among participants until about age 50, with young adults reporting significantly lower well-being compared to older age groups.
The lead author of the study, Tyler J. VanderWeele of Harvard University, said, "It is a pretty stark picture." He further highlighted the study’s findings and noted that they raise an important question: "Are we sufficiently investing in the well-being of youth?"
The concerning trend was consistent across many countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia. However, the gap between younger and older adults was most pronounced in the United States, according to The New York Times, which cited the researchers.
"Young adulthood has long been considered a carefree time, a period of limitless opportunity and few obligations," The Times noted in its report. "But data from the flourishing study and elsewhere suggests that for many people, this notion is more fantasy than reality."
Experts suggest the decline in well-being among young adults is closely tied to a decrease in social interaction, a crucial factor for happiness.
"Study after study shows that social connection is critical for happiness, and young people are spending less time with friends than they were a decade ago," said Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab podcast.
Santos also pointed to broader societal pressures weighing on young adults today.
"Plus, like folks of all ages, young people are facing a world with a whole host of global issues, from climate to the economy to political polarisation."
The Global Flourishing Study will continue through 2028, with future waves of data expected to clarify whether the current struggles reflect a temporary age-related phase or a more lasting generational shift.
