The concept of human flourishing has garnered attention from researchers across various fields, including psychology, sociology, and economics. A remarkable initiative, the Global Flourishing Study, seeks to explore whether humans indeed flourish as they age, providing comprehensive insights from a diverse set of cultural backgrounds.

Overview of the Global Flourishing Study

Conducted over several years, the Global Flourishing Study analyzes data from more than 200,000 participants across 22 different countries. These findings, published in reputable journals including those under the Nature Portfolio and BMC, are pivotal in understanding how flourishing is defined and perceived globally. The study spans all six inhabited continents, thereby ensuring a culturally rich dataset.

Key Aspects of the Research

This extensive research delves into multiple dimensions of flourishing, encapsulated in a comprehensive questionnaire assessing:

  • Health
  • Happiness
  • Meaning in Life
  • Character Traits
  • Social Relationships
  • Financial Security

Demographic Observations

A flagship paper from the study, authored by Tyler VanderWeele, Byron Johnson, and collaborators, unveils intriguing relationships between flourishing and numerous demographic variables:

Demographic Factor Relationship with Flourishing
Age Increases in Brazil, Australia, US; decreases in Poland, Tanzania
Gender Men flourish more in Brazil; women in Japan
Marital Status Married individuals generally report higher flourishing
Education Higher educational attainment correlates with increased flourishing in most countries

U-Shaped Trajectories of Flourishing

Interestingly, some countries displayed a U-shaped pattern in flourishing—where well-being initially declines during middle age, followed by a resurgence later in life. This trend was observed in countries like Japan and Kenya. However, a pooled analysis across all participating nations revealed that flourishing levels for individuals aged 18–49 were relatively flat, indicating a potential decline in well-being among younger generations.

Impact of Childhood Experiences

The study also emphasizes the significant role of childhood experiences in shaping adulthood flourishing. The authors found:

  • Individuals experiencing poverty or abuse during childhood often reported lower flourishing levels in adulthood.
  • An exception was noted in Germany, where poor childhood health unexpectedly predicted higher flourishing levels later in life.

Recommendations for Future Research

To substantially improve individual well-being, the researchers advocate for:

  • The establishment of robust data collection systems focused on citizens' well-being by governments.
  • Rigorous, continuous research to track populations over time to identify determinants of flourishing accurately.
“To guide policies that facilitate human flourishing, high-quality data regarding well-being must be targeted and collected globally, tailored to each culture’s priorities.” – Tyler VanderWeele and Byron Johnson

Conclusion

The Global Flourishing Study signifies a critical step in understanding the complexities of human well-being across different cultures. By addressing both universal and culturally specific patterns of flourishing, this research highlights essential avenues for further investigation into the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life as individuals age.

Further Reading

For more detailed insights into the study, refer to: Global study investigates whether humans flourish with age (2025).

References

[1] VanderWeele, T. J., Johnson, B., et al. (2025). The Global Flourishing Study: Study Profile and Initial Results on Flourishing. Nature Mental Health.

[2] Additional details on the methodology and results can be found in publication details within the Nature journals.