Life satisfaction and optimism on the decline across the EU, according to new survey

Respondents that participated in Eurofound’s 2024 e-survey were less optimistic about their future than those that took part in 2023, with the degree of optimism across all age groups falling considerably since 2020. The sharpest drop in optimism occurred among respondents in the 35–49 and 50–64 age groups, who reported the lowest levels of optimism in 2024. Young respondents had the highest levels of optimism (47%), although this is also four percentage points lower than in 2023. The 50–64 age group is now the least optimistic about their own future (24%).

Eurofound’s Quality of life in the EU in 2024 factsheet presents first findings of the Living and working in the EU survey, which was conducted online across Europe in spring 2024. The e-survey captures the situation of European respondents and their post-pandemic concerns, with this factsheet outlining the most recent data on the main challenges faced by Europeans, including a particular emphasis on the rising cost of living, health and mental health, access to healthcare services, work–life balance, and changes in telework opportunities.

The factsheet shows that the reduction in optimism since 2023 was greater for women than for men. While optimism decreased across all income groups, this decline was steeper among those in low-income households, widening the optimism gap between the wealthiest and poorest respondents (from 18 percentage points in 2020 to 29 points in 2024).

On a national level, respondents in Greece and Italy reported the lowest levels of optimism (20%), while Ireland (49%) and Denmark (48%) had the highest reported levels. Similar to the decline in optimism, life satisfaction also decreased between 2023 and 2024. After an increase between 2021 and 2023, life satisfaction returned to the level recorded in spring 2021. While those aged 65 or over maintain the highest life satisfaction score and continue to see it rise in 2024, the lowest life satisfaction rates are found among people aged between 50–64, followed by those aged 35–49.

Speaking about the life satisfaction and well-being findings from the survey, Daphne Ahrendt, Eurofound Senior Research Manager, said the survey indicates an alarming level of despondency across the population, ‘Life satisfaction and optimism can be determined by a multitude of factors, such as income, employment, education and disability status. However, these findings, coupled with findings indicating an overall decline in mental well-being – particularly among younger age groups – show a notable malaise across Europe and a marked lack of hope for the future.’

The next round of the survey will be carried out in April 2025.

More information:

• Download the factsheet: Quality of life in the EU in 2024 factsheet
• Read the digital story: Quality of life in the EU in 2024 digital story
• Explore the data: Living and Working in the EU e-survey data
• Find out about the survey: Living and working in the EU