"A couple of weeks ago I floated some ideas on a national Urban Happiness Index," says Borys. "Similar to Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index and Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index, which is being contemplated by China, an Urban Happiness Index would tie satisfaction and wellbeing to the form of the built environment. Perhaps an alternative idea would be the Healthy Place Index."
Borys goes on to give a data review of the studies and tools already formulated to measure the satisfaction that place inspires. With the majority of drugs prescribed in the US being antidepressants, it's none too soon.
"So there you have it. Happy now? Depends on where/how you live, I suppose. But what's most important is that finally, more than ever, we now recognize - and are working to improve - the connection between the two."
Thanks to Scott Doyon
