In recent years, Canadian youth have been wrestling with a myriad of challenges that have contributed to a noticeable decline in their happiness levels. High housing prices, increased costs of living, and shifts in societal expectations have significantly impacted their lives. The World Happiness Report indicates that Canadians under 30, once the happiest age group in the country, are now the least happy. This article explores the factors contributing to this stark decline and how it is reshaping the dreams and aspirations of the younger generation in Canada.
The Changing Face of Young Canadian Dreams
Young Canadians like Bhavik Sharma, who had envisaged a comfortable life in their mid-twenties, are now finding their dreams deferred. High rent and other costs have forced many, like Sharma, to return to their parents’ homes. In contrast to their parents’ generation, the path to adulthood for many young Canadians now involves prolonged saving, delayed home ownership, and more costly living expenses. This shift in expectations is forcing a re-evaluation of what it means, and what it takes, for this generation to be happy.
The Declining Happiness of Canadian Youth
According to the World Happiness Report, the happiness levels of Canadians under 30 have been in steady decline. The 2024 edition of the study placed Canadian youth among the unhappiest of the 134 countries covered in the research. The decline in their happiness is so severe that only four countries – Jordan, Venezuela, Lebanon, and Afghanistan – have seen a worse decline. This is despite Canada ranking the 15th happiest country overall.
Shifting Benchmarks
One of the primary factors contributing to this decline is the shifting benchmarks for life’s milestones. High housing costs and difficulties in saving for the future have forced young Canadians to postpone their plans for starting families and securing financial stability. The Bank of Canada’s housing affordability index hit its worst level in 41 years in 2023, making the prospect of home ownership an elusive dream for many in this age group.
Adapting to New Realities
Anthony McCanny, the lead author of the separate 2024 Canadian Happiness Report, suggests that young Canadians are reconfiguring their expectations in response to these challenges. The realities of the social and online environment, coupled with an unaffordable housing market and a growing mental health crisis, are causing a shift in what it means to be an adult.
Seeking Happiness in the Moment
Despite these challenges, many young Canadians are finding ways to derive happiness from their current circumstances. For Sharma, joy comes from family, friends, vacations, and balanced work expectations. Others are drawing comfort from community spaces or engaging in activities that nourish their souls. The ability to adapt and find happiness in the present moment is a testament to the resilience of this generation.
A Glimmer of Hope
While the decline in happiness among young Canadians is concerning, there is room for optimism. John Helliwell, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of British Columbia and a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, believes that the rapid decline in happiness suggests it can be improved just as quickly. He advises young Canadians to connect more readily with those around them in positive ways and to do small things to improve their world. By doing so, they can create a ripple effect of happiness that can counteract the current gloom.
This exploration of the declining happiness of young Canadians underscores the need for societal and policy changes to address their challenges. As we continue to investigate and understand these issues, we can work towards creating a society where happiness is attainable for all.
