The index ranges from 1, representing complete unhappiness, to 100, signifying full contentment and joy.
Respondents evaluated their overall satisfaction with life by answering a single question: "To what extent are you satisfied with your life overall?"
The findings point to the importance of health and economic stability in shaping life satisfaction, as well as the enduring value of personal relationships and community connections in the everyday lives of Poles.
The report highlighted that health, family and close relationships are the most significant sources of happiness for Poles.
Forty-eight percent identified health as their primary source of joy, while 46 percent cited family and relationships, and 31 percent mentioned love and children.
Money ranked much lower, with only 16 percent selecting it among their top three happiness factors.
The survey revealed variations in happiness across demographic groups. Older Poles, aged 55 and above, reported the highest happiness levels, averaging 71 points, while young adults aged 18–24 scored significantly lower, at just over 58 points.
Economic stability also played a crucial role, with those describing their financial situation positively scoring 77 points, compared to 49 points for those who viewed it negatively.
Relationship status and parenthood also influenced happiness. People in formal relationships averaged 73 points, while parents scored 71.
Educational background showed a modest impact, with those holding higher education degrees reporting slightly higher satisfaction (nearly 69 points) than those with basic or vocational education (just over 66).
Urban-rural divides were also evident, with residents of cities with populations over 500,000 reporting lower satisfaction than the national average.
Additionally, people in northern and western Poland reported greater happiness compared to those in central and eastern regions.
The study also explored obstacles to happiness.
Health issues were the greatest concern, cited by 50 percent of respondents, followed by the loss of a loved one (34 percent), financial problems (25 percent), and the fear of war (24 percent).
Younger Poles were more worried about financial difficulties, with 43 percent of those aged 18–24 identifying this as a key threat, compared to 31 percent among those aged 25–34.
Conversely, older respondents were more concerned about the potential for war.
Daily stress also emerged as a notable challenge, particularly among younger respondents. For 35 percent of those aged 18–24, stress was a significant barrier to happiness, compared to 18 percent of the general population.
Looking to the future, most respondents (87 percent) were optimistic about maintaining or improving their happiness over the next year. However, long-term optimism waned, with nearly one-third (29 percent) predicting they would feel less happy in a decade.
Despite these concerns, 30 percent believed that life in Poland would improve over the next 10 years, while only 21 percent expected such improvements within a year.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP