The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences examined healthy Ontario adults who self-reported life satisfaction. It found that accounting for factors associated with high healthcare use, like demographic factors, co-morbidity and socioeconomic factors, those with the lowest level of life satisfaction were three times more likely to be in the highest category of healthcare costs compared to those who were satisfied with their life. The top 5 percent of high cost healthcare users used $27,636 in average annual healthcare costs, compared to $3,393 for those in the top 6 to 50% and $386 for those in the bottom 50%. The study, said to be the first of its kind, suggest addressing broader factors that influence well-being and happiness – such as strong social networks and community engagement – will have a positive impact on the health system.
NBHC Population Health