UN-commissioned study in UK, US, Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand finds satisfaction rises with age

I’ve no idea how this crisis actually plays out.

This is a crisis. A large crisis. In fact, if you got a moment, it’s a twelve-storey crisis with a magnificent entrance hall, carpeting throughout, 24-hour portage, and an enormous sign on the roof, saying ‘This Is a Large Crisis’. A large crisis requires a large plan. Get me two pencils and a pair of underpants.

(Blackadder quote from series 4)

  • Megaman_EXE@beehaw.org
    2·
    2 days ago

    Idk, my 20’s were not great, and my 30’s aren’t looking too much better but trying to stay positive. The main difference is I’m learning to cope and adjusting my expectations drastically.

    I think restructuring cities and communities to be walkable tight-knit environments would certainly help. Give people reasons to interact outside the house. Give people the time to interact outside the house. Help people achieve a purpose and meaning in life instead of feeling like a cog in a wealth machine.

    If we’re all just struggling to get by, it’s no wonder the youth feel despair.

    • this could just be my personal bias showing so idk.

    To end this on a happier note, I’ve been starting to think of ways that I can reduce my footprint and still live as comfortable life as possible. I’m aiming for as low expenses that I can manage, along with working the least amount possible. I just don’t really see a point to working my ass off now. I at least have some youth. Might as well enjoy it while I can.

    I have no idea how to achieve this yet. But my mindset is there, so I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually.

    • LonelyLarynx@beehaw.org
      2·
      2 days ago

      I now have a similar mindset, which is a departure from having hope and excitement for the future of humanity when I was young. It feel like, within me, much has been lost. This has a been a transition over the last decade but is really beginning to cement itself.

      Like you I have been working to reduce my footprint, as well as reliance on consumerism and that portion of society. Honestly, this has been a successful experience for the most part. I have a lot less “stuff” then my peers, but higher quality and control in the areas that I think matter. I build and maintain as much of what I have has I can. I selfhost my own FOSS services and generally am protected from advertising, narratives, and ways of thinking being forced on me. I quit my job and now work for myself on my own terms. I’m doing ok, and I can ignore many of the societal norms that trap people in day-to-day routines they do not have control over. I have been lucky to be able to do this, though of course there are significant tradeoffs.

      The part that is missing for me is finding local communities that support walking, human socialization, and collective support to counter the loneliness that comes from loss of belonging in a hopeful “global” narrative. Unfortunately this generally does not exist in my country and I don’t believe it will in my lifetime. If anything we are actively moving in the opposite direction. After decades of trying at home, I am looking elsewhere to find a small likeminded community. This is now my primary focus. It feels like since COVID many people older than me have lost their minds, becoming quick to anger and immune to reason. People younger than me (at least where I live) often appear lost and having given up on trying to address these challenges for themselves: hiding in memes and embracing an even more shallow society. Social media and consumerism are now dangerous weapons and most are still entrapped by them.

      All this is to say I believe we are in a time of massive transition. I don’t know for sure what the future holds (though the novel 1984 seems relevant) and I am trying to prepare for it to the best of my ability while accepting that I can’t prepare for everything and also trying to carve out my own life away from the noise. This is still a work in progress and I very much crave a community to do this with. An online community like Beehaw gives some relief while searching for local community.

    • Pete Hahnloser@beehaw.orgOPEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      My 20s were the pinnacle of my life. Career was taking off, met my first wife … then the layoffs started in journalism.

      • Megaman_EXE@beehaw.org
        1·
        1 day ago

        That honestly sounds so crazy to me. If I didn’t know other people who have had similar experiences, I would say that’s a fantasy lol!