For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report 2025, released on Thursday. The rankings, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, continue to highlight the dominance of Nordic nations in global happiness, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden rounding out the top four.

Why Finland Remains on Top

Aino Virolainen, a Finnish digital commerce director, attributes the country’s enduring happiness to its peace, trust, and nature.

“This is where I always want to come back to and where I want to grow my kids and grow old myself. The peace, trustworthiness, direct communication, and fresh air make Finland special,” she said.

The rankings are based on self-reported life evaluations gathered in collaboration with Gallup and the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The study highlights that happiness is driven not just by economic growth, but also by trust, social connections, and a sense of community.

What Makes People Happier?

Researchers found that beyond wealth and health, some simple everyday activities contribute significantly to happiness:

• Sharing meals with others
• Having someone to rely on for emotional and social support
• Living in larger households, particularly in parts of Mexico and Europe where four to five members predict the highest happiness levels
• Believing in kindness – Trusting that others will return a lost wallet, for example, is a strong predictor of national happiness.

Alexandra Peth, a managing director, emphasized that trust and connection are core values in Finnish society.

“People trust each other in Finland, and we have systems in place that reinforce that trust,” she explained.

United States Drops to Lowest-Ever Ranking

While European countries continue to dominate the top 20, the United States has dropped to 24th place, marking its lowest position ever. This is a significant decline from its peak at 11th place in 2012.

The report attributes the decline to increasing social isolation, with the number of Americans dining alone rising by 53% over the past two decades. Similarly, the United Kingdom, ranked 23rd, reported its lowest life evaluation since 2017.

New Entrants and Global Shifts

• Israel ranked 8th, despite ongoing conflicts.
• Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking 6th and 10th, respectively.
• Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country in the world, with Afghan women reporting particularly difficult lives.
• Sierra Leone and Lebanon followed as the second and third unhappiest nations.

A Concerning Trend Among Young Adults

One of the report’s most alarming findings is that nearly 19% of young adults worldwide reported having no social support in 2023—a 39% increase since 2006.

The study evaluates happiness using key indicators such as:

• GDP per capita
• Healthy life expectancy
• Social support
• Freedom and generosity
• Perceptions of corruption

What Makes Finland Unique?

Helsinki resident Jouni Purhonen describes Finns as naturally calm, allowing them to live peaceful and thoughtful lives.

“We have time to reflect and live our lives without unnecessary stress,” he said.

With trust, social connections, and a strong sense of community playing a crucial role, Finland continues to set the global standard for happiness, while other nations look for ways to bridge the growing social gaps.

Source: AP News – Finland is again ranked the happiest country in the world. The US falls to its lowest-ever position

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A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom reveals that individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face a reduced life expectancy and higher risks of mental health problems. The research, which examined over 30,000 people with ADHD, highlights the urgent need for improved support and treatment for those affected by the disorder.

The findings, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry on Thursday, show that men with ADHD have a life expectancy shortened by 4.5 to 9 years, while women’s life expectancy is reduced by 6.5 to 11 years. The study’s lead author, Dr. Liz O’Nions from University College London, emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying causes of these premature deaths to develop effective prevention strategies.

ADHD and Its Impact on Life Expectancy

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly diagnosed in childhood and often continuing into adulthood. It is associated with imbalances in neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which plays a vital role in executive functions such as planning, focusing, and multitasking. These difficulties can lead to symptoms like restlessness, trouble concentrating, poor time management, and impulsive behavior, which can affect many aspects of life.

In the UK, approximately 3% to 4% of adults and at least 4% of children are affected by ADHD. However, the actual number of cases may be higher, as many individuals remain undiagnosed. This study suggests that the life expectancy gap for people with ADHD may even be greater than the results indicate due to this underdiagnosis.

Mental Health Risks Linked to ADHD

The study not only found a reduction in life expectancy but also identified a higher risk of mental health issues among those with ADHD. These individuals were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, and personality disorders. The research also highlighted a greater prevalence of co-occurring conditions such as autism, intellectual disabilities, smoking, alcohol use, and physical health issues like diabetes and high cholesterol.

Understanding the Causes Behind the Shortened Lifespan

While the study’s results are striking, Dr. Kevin McConway, an expert in applied statistics at the Open University in England, pointed out that the research was based on observational data, which cannot fully establish cause-and-effect relationships. The study did not account for potential genetic or environmental factors, which may contribute to both ADHD and early death. Additionally, the research did not control for race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, which are known to influence life expectancy.

The research team also faced limitations in determining when ADHD was diagnosed in relation to other health problems or the impact of treatment on life expectancy. However, the authors noted that lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and other health conditions could significantly contribute to the shorter lifespan of individuals with ADHD.

Improving ADHD Treatment and Support

Despite these challenges, experts agree that people with ADHD can live long and fulfilling lives with the right support and treatment. Dr. Josh Stott, senior author of the study, emphasized that individuals with ADHD possess many strengths and can thrive with proper care. To reduce the risks associated with ADHD, healthcare providers should focus on early diagnosis and addressing behavioral and medical conditions linked to the disorder.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to regularly assess patients for ADHD-related health risks, which can help prevent treatment delays and improve outcomes. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, sleep hygiene, and dental care, are also recommended to enhance quality of life and overall well-being.

The Role of ADHD Medications

A study conducted in Sweden in March 2024 found that ADHD medications could play a key role in reducing mortality risk. It showed that people with ADHD who used medication had a 19% lower risk of death within two years of diagnosis. This reinforces the importance of medication in managing ADHD symptoms and reducing associated health risks.

In conclusion, while individuals with ADHD may face challenges related to life expectancy and mental health, the right treatment and lifestyle changes can help improve their quality of life. Continued research and better healthcare support are essential to addressing the needs of people with ADHD and preventing premature deaths.

Source

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