Has the measure of happiness evolved? It is a question I have found myself reflecting on more and more.

For many Jamaicans who grew up in rural communities between the 1960s and 1990s, happiness was simple. Life was not easy by any economic standard, yet it was full. Children played outside until the streetlights came on, walked to school together, swam in rivers, and shared what little they had. Communities looked out for one another. There was a sense of belonging that did not need explanation.

Even those who had little did not necessarily feel poor. They were rich in connection, in community, and in perspective.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with several elderly Jamaicans, some of whom were over 100 years old. None described themselves as wealthy. Yet all spoke about happiness in remarkably similar terms: helping others, forgiving easily, and carrying no bitterness in their hearts. Many remain active in their churches and communities, still giving back in quiet but meaningful ways. Their lives are a reminder that happiness has never been purely material.

Today, our definitions appear broader, but also more complicated.

Some tie happiness to visible success
For some, happiness is tied to visible success, where we live, what we drive, and the careers we build. For others, it is found in family, in freedom, or in achieving personal goals. Health, education, financial stability, and the ability to travel all play a role in how we experience well-being.

But there is also a newer influence shaping how we see ourselves and each other: social media.

The 2026 World Happiness Report points to a troubling trend: declining well-being among young people, particularly in developed countries. One of the contributing factors is the amount of time spent online, constantly consuming and comparing.
It forces us to pause and ask: are we now measuring happiness by what we see, rather than what we feel?

In many ways, happiness is tracked externally, in likes, shares, and carefully curated moments. At the same time, genuine human interaction has been reduced. Community, in some instances, has been replaced by comparison. That shift is subtle, but its impact is real.

And yet, Jamaica continues to offer an important reminder.

As of 2026, Jamaica ranks 49th globally in the World Happiness Report. More notably, we rank number one in the world for helping strangers. That says something about who we are as a people.

There is a resilience that defines us
Despite the challenges many still face, there is a resilience that defines us. Our culture of “one love,” our strong sense of community, and our faith continue to shape how we experience life. We may not always have the most, but we continue to find ways to feel fulfilled.

Perhaps, then, happiness has not changed as much as we think. What has changed is how we pursue it.
Too often, we look outward for validation when the things that sustain us have always been closer to home: relationships, purpose, health, and service to others.

We all face difficulties. That is a part of life. But holding on to resentment, stress, or regret does not serve us. In fact, it can affect not just our state of mind, but our physical health as well. Letting go is not always easy, but it is necessary.

In my own portfolio as minister of health and wellness, I see daily how closely connected our mental, emotional, and physical well-being truly are. The way we think, the way we relate to others, and the way we live all play a role in our overall health.

Happiness, therefore, is not something abstract. It is something we actively build through how we live each day.

The fundamentals remain the same: show love, practice compassion, give back where you can, take care of your health, and strive for balance.

Happiness does not require wealth
Happiness does not require wealth, and it cannot be measured by appearances alone. It requires awareness, intention, and a willingness to focus on what truly matters.

In a world that increasingly pulls our attention outward, perhaps the real challenge is to return inward.

Because in the end, happiness is not something we scroll through. It is something we live.

Dr Chris Tufton, CD, MP, is Jamaica’s minister of health and wellness. E-mail: cctufton@gmil.com