Health

Having it all: Women in wealthy countries consider what makes them happy

May 19, 2016

Global

May 19, 2016

Global
Aviva Freudmann

Contributor

Aviva has nearly 40 years of experience as a journalist, researcher and editor covering a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial services, insurance and risk management, transport, logistics, energy and environmental protection.

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Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it is an important factor—both directly, by providing material comforts, and indirectly, by supporting an active approach to managing health and fitness.

Does wealth buy happiness? The consensus of academic research is that it helps, although other factors play a more important role. In particular, the key to happiness is the freedom to manage one’s life, alongside physical health. That is especially true for women, many of whom juggle family obligations, work requirements and personal needs.

A survey conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on behalf of Merck Consumer Health, and presented in the recently released study Women’s health and well-being: evolving definitions and practices, brings out the dilemma at the nexus of wealth and happiness. 

 

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