India ranks low on financial, social well-being

Most Indians are 'struggling' financially, reveals Gallup-Healthways survey.

According to Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, a "global barometer of individuals' perceptions of their own well-being", Indians' average ratings of their own lives have been slowly declining.

Only a fifth (21 per cent) of the respondents think they are financially thriving, while 49 per cent are struggling.

Asked whether they liked what they were doing, 16 per cent said they were thriving - higher than the regional average, but lower than the global average.

A total of 49 per cent are struggling on social indicators.

The silver lining is the performance on community indicators: 33 per cent are said to be thriving, higher than the regional and global averages. 

When compared to BRIC economies, India’s ratings are nothing to write home about. On social well-being, it ranks behind the other three countries.

On purpose, it stands behind Brazil and Russia, while on financial well-being, it is behind Russia and China. 

When compared to BRIC economies, India’s ratings are nothing to write home about. On social well-being, it ranks behind the other three countries.

On purpose, it stands behind Brazil and Russia, while on financial well-being, it is behind Russia and China. 

Interestingly, Panama, Costa Rica and Denmark are the only countries where at least 40 per cent of residents say they are thriving on three or more aspects of well-being.

In Panama, 61 per cent are thriving on three or more parameters

The Index comprises 5 elements of well-being

Purpose: Whether a person likes what he is doing each day and is motivated to achieve his goals

Social: Does the person have supportive relationships and love in his life?

Financial: Does the person have enough money to manage his life and does he worry about money?

Community: Does the person like where he stays, feel safe and has pride in the community?

Physical: Is the person of sound health and does he have the energy to accomplish task?

(Graphs: Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index)