Many people think of happiness as an abstract feeling, but in reality, there are many concrete factors that influence how satisfied we are with our lives. NN Longevity’s research shows that happiness levels in Hungary are not only low but have continued to decline in recent years.
The results of the NN Longevity research show that there is a strong link between happiness and financial security. The level of happiness among the Hungarian population is low not only in comparison with Western Europe but also with neighbouring countries. The average score on a 10-point scale is only 5.4 in Hungary, below 6.4 in Romania, for instance.
According to Pénzcentrum, this figure suggests that the state of mind of the country’s inhabitants is among the worst in the region. The picture is even more pessimistic when it comes to the outlook for future happiness, whereas Hungary also comes bottom. While Hungarian respondents expect to be 5.9 points happier in ten years’ time, the figure is much higher in the rest of the region, with Romanians, for example, predicting a score of 7.
Different factors in happiness
The research shows that happiness does not simply decline with age. Although young people aged 18-34 are the happiest, with an average score of 5.8, they are not followed by middle-aged people. Those aged 50-64 were slightly happier than those aged 35-49, who scored an average of 5.3.
However, this group, which should traditionally be at the height of their careers and financial stability, is carrying a heavier burden than expected. The least happy generation is the over 65s, with a happiness score of just 5.2. This finding suggests that financial and health insecurity in old age has a major impact on quality of life.
The analysis also shows that financial stability plays a crucial role in happiness. Hungarian respondents who have at least six months’ savings feel significantly happier than those who have no savings. A sense of financial insecurity significantly reduces happiness levels: those with no more than three months’ savings scored an average of 4.8 points, while those with six months’ savings scored 6.4 points.
According to Portfolio, respondents also showed a significant difference in their self-assessment, with those with money set aside giving themselves an average score of 6.7, compared to an average of 5.1 for those without a reserve. This suggests that financial stability is a key determinant not only of financial welfare but also of psychological well-being.
The research also revealed that for Hungarians, a happy and meaningful life is based on several components, one of the most important of which, according to respondents, is reducing stress and achieving calmness, which is essential for a balanced life. They also highlighted the importance of spending time with loved ones, which strengthens emotional bonds, and a healthy lifestyle, which is central to maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Financial factors are also crucial: current financial well-being and future financial security are essential for people to feel balanced and satisfied. Longer life expectancy places particular emphasis on preparing for the future, as financial security in old age is essential for a comfortable life.
The challenges of retirement
According to the survey results, 63% of Hungarians consider financial security to be an essential condition for retirement. However, the majority of respondents feel that they are not doing enough to create financial security for their retirement. Only one in five Hungarians save regularly for retirement, suggesting that long-term financial planning remains a low priority for the majority of people. This low propensity to save is likely to exacerbate concerns about the future and contribute to Hungarians’ lowest levels of happiness in the region.
NN Longevity’s research has clearly shown that happiness is not solely dependent on subjective factors. Financial stability, stress reduction, a healthy lifestyle and the cultivation of social relationships are all essential elements that can contribute to a balanced and satisfying life. In the case of Hungary, it would be particularly important for people to place more emphasis on long-term financial planning, as this has a major impact not only on current but also on future levels of happiness.
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Hungarians have always looked upon thing “the glass is half empty” instead of the “glass half filled”. Having talked to Hungarians on my last trip I was amused by people’s complaint. If there was a speck of dust, life sucks in the country. Hungarians are happy to be “unhappy. Misery is a Hungarian national characteristic.
Well as a American football living in hungary back and forth every so months. Hungarian people to me are very helpful, and friendly. Who’s not friendly and the most miserable people I have ever encountered Poland. Poland to me majority of mostly women over men are the most miserable especially in the food industry fields, and supermarkets.
The glass is actually NOT remotely half full here in Hungary.
Someone who has lived in the very best parts of the USA people here have no clue what a great place it is to live, especially since it a fraction of the cost. I love how they always compare it to places that never lived under 40 years of oppression.
People here don’t seem to understand what a remarkable place it is if they break out of the socialist mentality where every thing is handed to you. You might try filling up the churches. The church is responsible for the western world. Unless you have something going in life it may be a good place to start for you and your children.