An article summarized by Gallup:
Gallup data shows a major decline in how younger Americans evaluate their lives. Just 44% of U.S. adults ages 18–29 are considered “thriving” in 2026, down from a high of 64% in 2010. The biggest drop happened after 2019, when the rate fell from 57% to 39% during the pandemic before partially recovering to 51% in 2023. Adults ages 30–44 have experienced a similar decline, while Americans 45–64 are also near their lowest levels.
Gallup links the decline among younger adults to several areas of worsening well-being, including higher depression, weaker close relationships, less daily enjoyment, and lower feelings of being active and productive. Economic concerns are also playing a role, including housing affordability, job-market pessimism, fears about AI replacing jobs and uncertainty over whether Social Security and Medicare will be available in the future. Gallup also notes declining confidence in leaders and communities among younger Americans.
Older Americans are moving in the opposite direction. 53% of Americans 65 and older are thriving in 2026, matching their record high and rising from just 38% in 2008. Gallup attributes much of that improvement to greater financial security, accumulated wealth, less financial stress and improvements in some health measures. Overall, the data highlights a growing generational divide in well-being, with younger Americans facing more economic and mental-health pressures while older Americans are generally becoming more financially secure and satisfied with their lives.
