What do you think of when you think wellbeing? Yoga? Self-care? That’s just a very small part of what it means to have Real Wellbeing.
For 25 years, Australian Unity – a mutual with a history spanning more than 180 years – has partnered with Deakin University to track the wellbeing of Australians through the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index (AUWI). Wellbeing, at its heart, is subjective – it’s different for everyone. The AUWI assesses Australians’ satisfaction with their lives and delves into the “domains” that contribute to our personal and national wellbeing.
These factors all combine and work together over time to build an individual picture of life satisfaction. More than a fleeting moment of happiness, Real Wellbeing is a long-lasting, holistic view of our lives. Measures of how “well” we are doing as a nation have conventionally been based on economic considerations such as Gross Domestic Product. However, in an era when Australians are richer than ever the AUWI investigates additional factors impacting on our lives, filling the void not covered by economic considerations. So, how are we doing collectively? Well, it’s been a tough few years for Australians’ wellbeing – and the latest AUWI results suggest we’re still in the thick of it.
Satisfaction with life in Australia has hit an all-time low in the past 25 years, as has satisfaction with health. Consistent with previous data, it’s clear that certain groups are particularly exposed by the rising cost of living. In 2024, the groups with the lowest personal wellbeing scores included people who are unemployed, rely on disability support, or have household incomes below $33,800. And the impact isn’t limited to lower-income households. Middle Australia is increasingly doing it tough as well. The AUWI found “average Australians” – households earning up to $104,000 a year – are now reporting lower levels of wellbeing.
Amid all the doom and gloom, is there any positive news from the latest survey? One finding highlights the importance of support from our loved ones. The ability to seek support from friends and family can contribute to improved wellbeing. Simply put, when people have strong relational support, this can provide a buffer that helps when times get tough.
As a wellbeing company and a mutual, Australian Unity is committed to making genuine contributions to society. The AUWI is just one example of how co-operatives are helping drive positive change in the UN International Year of Cooperatives.
