The number of young Americans who say they’re “thriving” is near a low point while the share of middle-age adults who say the same is at a nadir, underscoring the level of relative dissatisfaction among these key demographic groups ahead of the midterms.
Only 44% of adults ages 18 to 29 describe themselves as thriving, according to Gallup, 20 points lower than the high measured in 2010. Forty-five percent of adults 30 to 44 say the same; both figures have declined in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
These declines appear to be tied to increases in rates of depression, among other factors.
The share of those ages 45 to 64 is also at a low of 46%, on par with the measure during the 2008 financial crisis.
In sharp contrast, those 65 and older are more likely than ever to say they’re thriving, which appears largely driven by satisfaction with their economic situation.