The Happiness Threshold: Linking Well-Being to Lower Mortality Rates

A study found that subjective well-being above a 2.7 threshold on the Life Ladder scale can reduce mortality from chronic diseases. Analyzed data from 123 countries shows that improving happiness relates to health benefits, highlighting the importance of public health strategies promoting well-being.

A pioneering study has identified a crucial threshold for subjective well-being that could significantly impact mortality rates from chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Research led by Iulia Iuga of 1 Decembrie 1918 University in Romania, and published in Frontiers in Medicine, indicates that once a population achieves a 2.7 rating on the Life Ladder scale, linked improvements in health outcomes begin to manifest.

Data from 123 countries over 15 years reveal that surpassing the threshold leads to a decrease in mortality from non-communicable diseases, suggesting that government strategies focused on improving happiness, addressing obesity, limiting alcohol consumption, and enhancing the living environment might be instrumental.

(With inputs from agencies.)