The Gallup-Healthways recently released an annual well-being index. Well-Being Index includes more than 2.1 million surveys and captures how people feel about and experience their daily lives. The well-being index data provides a comprehensive view of well-being across five elements. One element is labeled ‘physical’ and described as “having good health and enough energy to get things done daily”.
Oklahoma was ranked 39th for overall well-being and a disappointing 46th for the specific element of physical well being.
The top ranked ten states in overall well-being were:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Colorado
- Nebraska
- Utah
- New Mexico
- Texas
Some of the top ranked states are in relative close proximity to Oklahoma such as Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Nebraska. Therefore, it appears geography isn’t the sole reason for ranking higher. Oklahoma did rank well in social, community, and purpose elements of the index. This type of report will hopefully aid lawmakers and communities of Oklahoma in identifying areas of improvement and encourage continued efforts of making Oklahoma a happier and healthier state.
