Hawaii has been ranked the highest state in the nation by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Hawaii topped the nation with 82.4% of its people feeling they are satisfied with their standard of living. Hawaii also ranked second when it came to those who felt their life was thriving.
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index is a survey to determine how satisfied people are with their standard of living. The survey was conducted nationwide, polling 1,000 people per day by phone. The survey began in January and ended in November of 2008.
On a national basis in the beginning of the year, most people felt their life was thriving. However, after mid-August when the financial melt-down began to rear its ugly head, this perception changed dramatically. Nationally the figure now stands at 60% of the people feel they are struggling and worrying more about finances.
Although Hawaii residents are concerned about the national economy, Hawaii ranked #4 when it came to optimism regarding the economic slowdown. The residents of Hawaii ranked 44th in being less worried about its impact on their standard of living.
This is the first year that the Well-Being Index results were reported for individual states. In the past, the survey results were only assessed on a national basis. I believe the reason for these high marks in satisfaction and optimism stems from our island lifestyle. We are surrounded by natural beauty. Islanders take time to stop and smell the orchids. I think the very air of Hawaii is calming to the soul. This is not something that one can really explain. It is one of those things in life that your must experience for yourself.
I am very happy to report that I share the feelings of the majority in Hawaii - happy, satisfied and optimistic about the future.
Aloha, Robin
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