Australia: Wellbeing at its highest since 2013, but high anxiety still impacting one in four - NAB

The wellbeing of Australians has hit its highest point in four years driven mainly by lower levels of anxiety, according to research released today by NAB.

Key Quotes

“NAB’s Q3 Wellbeing Report revealed that wellbeing was highest among widows, men and women over the age of 50, Tasmanians and two-person households, and lowest among single people, labourers, 30-49 year olds, those earning less than $35,000 per year, and young women.”

“NAB Chief Economist Alan Oster said that while anxiety had improved, it was still affecting a significant number of Australians.”

“This research indicates that while Australians are overall less anxious, one in four Australians report high anxiety.”

“We also see a correlation between wellbeing and income, with wellbeing the highest for those in the top income group, and the lowest among those earning the least,” said Mr Oster.”

“Factors affecting anxiety

• With one in four Australians reporting high anxiety, NAB’s research asked respondents what they believe would help reduce their anxiety.
• Around 1 in 4 believed getting more rest or sleep and improving their financial position would help most.
• Women also believe that they would benefit from having more time, Mr Oster said.
• “We found by gender, almost twice as many women said having more time for themselves would have helped them than did men.”