Happiness at a good level again – residents of Vaasa responded to the survey for the fourth time

The happiness index, measured on a scale of 0 to 100, was 72.6. There was a significant difference between genders:

– Men’s happiness was notably lower than women’s. This result does not align with other Finnish studies, although women’s happiness is often higher than men’s. There should, however, be more men among the respondents. It is suspected that the sample does not adequately represent residents of Vaasa who are men, assesses happiness researcher Markku Ojanen, Emeritus Professor.

The men who responded to the survey were happier five years ago than they are now, which supports the idea that currently, men who are less happy with their situation are self-selecting as respondents.

77% of respondents were women. However, the age distribution was relatively even, and the language distribution also matched the language demographics of residents of Vaasa well. The survey was conducted as an open online survey, with 1058 residents of Vaasa responding.

Belief in the future and management of personal happiness

51% of respondents believe their lives will improve in the future, with a projected happiness score of 77.5/100 in five years.

– The results are very similar whether happiness, satisfaction, or well-being are asked about. The assessments lean significantly towards the positive. Residents of Vaasa believe happiness is more within their control than dependent on external factors, and their optimism levels are high, says Ojanen.

The happiness survey was first conducted in 2020, the year of the initial COVID-19 epidemic. The world has been in constant turmoil since then. Ojanen believes that despite the conflicting times, residents of Vaasa have maintained their mental balance.

– Residents of Vaasa accept themselves and believe in controlling their own lives – they do not have weak self-esteem!

What makes a resident of Vaasa happy?

– The means of happiness have been very similar every year. The image of what people find beneficial is clear. The most popular response option has been ”Understanding that happiness consists of very small moments of joy that come when they come,” summarises Ojanen.

According to the study, residents of Vaasa are particularly satisfied with their relationships. The quality of housing and living environment is also appreciated. The levels of physical activity and volunteerism have increased after the pandemic.

The survey also asked about happiness thieves and their effects on happiness.

– The proportions of respondents who had experienced happiness thieves were surprisingly similar to those in 2022. The most commonly experienced happiness thieves among respondents were pain and aches, excessive sensitivity, pressure to be efficient, and heavy losses. The most happiness-depleting factors, in their turn, were violence, childhood insecurity, injustices in adulthood, excessive shyness, and financial difficulties.

More meeting places to combat loneliness

The happiness survey also investigated how residents of Vaasa would promote community spirit, communal activities, and collective efforts in the city so that no one would be alone. The responses showed interest in events and meeting opportunities that anyone could easily participate in.

– There is clearly demand for free events, such as concerts, community singing sessions, theatre, and museum days. Many also suggested more opportunities for volunteer work and meeting places. Personal participation and activity play an important role in building community spirit. An interesting aspect of the responses was that the language barrier between Finnish and Swedish speakers was seen as an obstacle to community spirit, with many good suggestions made to overcome it, says welfare specialist Rebecca Åkers, who compiled the open-ended responses to the happiness survey.

The happiest city in the happiest country in the world

According to the latest UN World Happiness Report, Finland is once again the happiest country in the world. Finland has held the top spot for the seventh consecutive year. Vaasa aims to become the happiest city in the happiest country in the world.

This goal is documented in the city’s strategy, and continuous efforts are made to improve the happiness of the city’s residents. Therefore, the happiness survey also investigates residents’ satisfaction with city services, and the results are used to support service development.

– Since there was a clear dip in the 2022 happiness survey, last August was a suitable time to launch the Year of Good Deeds. Its purpose has been to encourage residents to perform good deeds and to draw attention to how happiness can be increased by helping and delighting others or by taking care of the environment. For example, excellent events with the theme of good deeds have been organised in daycare centres, schools, and educational institutions, rejoices Communications and Marketing Director Leena Forsén.

Background and information on the survey:

The survey was conducted as an open online survey from 5 October to 5 November 2023, in Finnish, Swedish, and English. 1058 residents of Vaasa from all age groups responded to the survey. The survey was conducted online, so it is not a random sample. However, a comparison of key background variables (education, age, and profession) with the city’s demographics showed that the results represent residents of Vaasa well.

The survey results were analysed by happiness researcher Markku Ojanen, Emeritus Professor. The survey is repeated annually to monitor the development of residents’ happiness.

Happiness Surveys Results 2023 (pdf)