Alvin Wong is happier than you — statistically speaking (which brings to mind the old saying, “there are lies, damned lies, and statistics,” but I digress). As ABC News reports, Mr. Wong is the exact statistical composite of the happiest person:
Alvin Wong always considered himself a happy guy.
“I get up in the morning and say, ‘I’m very fortunate. I’m living in Hawaii, doing what I want to do,’” Wong said. But when Wong, 69, learned he is the exact statistical composite of the happiest person in America, he wasn’t sure what to think.
“When The New York Times called and read off all the information about who this person is, I asked if it was a practical joke.”
According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the happiest person in America is a tall, Asian-American male 65 or older, a resident of Hawaii who’s married with children, religious (observant Jews score highest), owns a business and earns more than $120,000 a year — in other words, it’s Alvin Wong to a tee.
“A person fitting the happiest profile is likely to have high optimism, good emotional health with little anger, depression, and stress, and no underlying chronic illnesses. This person is likely to eating right and exercise regularly, while working in a supportive environment with good access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, a safe place to exercise, and good access to health care. The person is also likely to be older and better established with enough money to live comfortably,” said John Harris, vice president of Innovations at Healthways…
[continues at ABC News]
