An increase in the percentage of those who volunteer has a positive influence on well-being.
| Year | |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2013 | 28 |
Performance of indicator:
Over 28% of the population aged 15 years or older volunteered in 2013 through either organisation-based or direct voluntary means. This is an increase from 2006 when the percentage that volunteered was 24%.
Justification of indicator:
Volunteering can be associated with well-being for a number of reasons. Increased levels of volunteering can increase the sense of belonging one feels in a community and also have positive effects on one’s mental health. Volunteering as part of a group can lead to increased provision of important services and is good for the individual and for society as a whole.
A decrease in the percentage of those who participate in sport has a negative influence on well-being.
| Year | |
| 2011 | 44.8 |
| 2013 | 47.2 |
| 2015 | 45 |
Performance of indicator:
The percentage of individuals aged 15 years or older who have taken part in sport in the previous seven days fell from 47.2% in 2013 to 45.0% in 2015.
Justification of indicator:
Participating in sport can have positive outcomes on well-being for young and old alike. Sport can improve the physical, mental and emotional health of participants, and can lead to a greater sense of community. These factors can result in benefits for well-being.
An increase in the average weekly household expenditure on sports and leisure has a positive influence on well-being.
| Year | |
| 2009-2010 | 14.4 |
| 2015-2016 | 17.85 |
Performance of indicator:
The average weekly household expenditure on sports and leisure in the years 2009-2010 was €14.40. This has increased to €17.85 in 2015-2016.
Justification of indicator:
Leisure and sports activities can play an important role in communities. These activities can improve the health and well-being of individuals, increasing individual’s self-esteem, and can help the development of communities. Higher spending on these activities indicates higher levels of participation in events of this nature and can be regarded as positive for well-being.[1]
An increase in the average commuting time has a negative influence on well-being.
| Year | |
| 2011 | 26.2 |
| 2016 | 28.2 |
Performance of indicator:
The average time individuals aged 15 and over who are at work spent commuting has increased from 26.6 minutes in 2011 to 28.2 minutes in 2016. This increase indicates a fall for societal well-being.
Justification of indicator:
Commuting time can be seen as economically ‘inactive’ time, as it is neither leisure time nor work time. Increased commuting time can lead to higher levels of stress. It can also have a detrimental effect on health levels if the individual is, for example, using a car instead of walking. There can also be increases in associated levels of pollution.
Go to next chapter: Appendix 1 - Background Notes
