Positive about their homes, negative about their financial situation

The majority of adults in the Netherlands are satisfied with life in general. They are the most positive about the homes they live in, the least positive about their financial situation. Over-65s in particular are satisfied with their lives.

Majority satisfied with their lives

In 2012, 85 percent in the population indicated to be satisfied with life in general. People appear to be very positive about the homes they live in; more than half are satisfied and more than one third are very satisfied. Living environment and personal relations are also evaluated as positive. People are the least positive about their personal financial situation: nearly 7 percent are not satisfied and 20 percent are neither positive nor negative.

Satisfaction with life, 2012

25 to 55-year-olds less satisfied with the amount of leisure time

Approximately seven in every ten 25 to 55-year-olds are pleased with the amount of leisure time they have available. This is below average. From the age of 55 onwards, the percentage goes up to reach over 90 percent among over-65s. This last category are usually no longer employed and there are no children living at home they have to look after.

Low-educated persons appear to be more satisfied with the amount of leisure time than high-educated people.

Proportion of persons pleased with the amount of leisure time, 2012

Fewer than half are satisfied with all aspects

Fewer than half (44 percent) of the population are satisfied with their homes, their living environment, their personal relations, the amount of leisure time, their daily routines and their financial situation. With nearly 60 percent, the proportion is much higher among over-65s.

Proportion of persons satisfied with all six aspects, 2012

Linda Moonen