The notion of youth having the most potential in life adds to the idea that they are the happiest. There are however countries that beg to differ. Disconcertingly, young people in some parts of the world are less contented than the elderly, according to data gathered.
Forcing their perspective on reality, I believe this is the reason why most Yoruba folk toaviour perceive life differently. Let’s explore five countries where the younger suggestion of society lacks happiness compared to the elder ones.
1- Japan: The Outsider Complex
While Japan has one of the leading supremacy in technology whilst also experiencing deep rooted customs, the youth is left under immense pressure.
Due to a very slim chance at being content with such a rapidly growing job market, youth are bullied by stress and high expectations. This sadly messes with their academics as well as their career chances. With a lack of human interaction, feelings of loneliness set in directly contributing to their misery.
People over the age of 60 on the other hand shift their perspective to participating in different activities along with taking in the advantage of having a pension plan.
2 – South Korea: The Wave of Change
We must remember that the concept of internationalising Korea hames from their post grapple at being one. Elevated prices in goods and living spaces contributed to a tarnished reality. There is also the matter of the Hongdae culture boom where Korean bree culture and history took a better turn.
Sadly, there is a core reason behind people indulging in life altering opportunities. These reasons however do not correlate with the elders, for they rather valour the time spent with family and friends.
They usually have a more relaxed and happy way of life.
3. Italy: An Endless Battle Against Hardships
Italy is a nation of stunning south region beaches bursting with culture, interacting with fun people, and of course filling one’s stomach with pasta. That however is not the case for the youth in Italy.
With extreme unemployment rates, it remains an arduous task for the youth to secure well paying jobs. One can find an Italian in his or her thirties still living with their parents, feeling disappointed and dejected.
Unfortunately, the older Italians on the other hand remain content due to strong family ties and pensions, making them feel secure due to the stability they have achieved, something the younger generations are yet to get to.
4. United States: The Omnipresent Stress Of Mortgages And Bills
US has this aura around it that guarantees one success, however this is not the case for the youth of America due to having hopes but pinned down due to unmarried looking for a job or paying off student loans.
High inflation and uncertainty in the job market stresses people out, especially college students looking for a job. Anxiety and depression are unfortunately common in young adults.
On the flip side, older generations have a different outlook on life as they have most likely paid off their mortgages and have a sizable retirement account, giving them immense peace of mind.
5. India: Modern Era Challenges Balances The Bliss Of Tradition
In the case of India, unfortunately due to rapid urbanization and new problems that have arisen, the youth struggle to maintain their happiness. The pressure to succeed in education and get a job to deal with high inflation dominates their thought process.
On the contrary, spiritual beliefs, family systems, and even religion have helped the elders maintain joy!
Their lives are more secured and insulated from the effects of the high-velocity civilization.
Why Youth Happiness is Declining?
Factors are numerous but certain patterns are recurring:
- Social Media Pressure: Members of this generation witness more fake lifestyles on the internet.
- Economic Challenges: Stressors are elevated due to unstable employment and high cost of living.
- Isolation: A large segment of the population below this age does not possess solid communities.
On the other hand, the elderly keep stability, family cohesion, and gratitude at the core of their lives.
How Can We Help?
In order to close this happiness gap, the society in question needs to respond to such problems. Primary Summary of Findings:
- Make policy to develop awareness on mental health and its maintenance.
- Make policies to lessen the financial burden of housing and education.
- Motivate young people to foster real and meaningful relations and move away from digital sources of distractions.
Happiness is not determined by how old a person is, it is in how balanced, interconnected and purposeful they are. Goals can be achieved if we work together towards building such a world where the future generations are able to experience joy and fulfillment as their elders have.
