FINDINGS

HOME   >   SOCIAL CAPITAL   >   WELLBEING

Banner-Wellbeing

OVERVIEW

Wellbeing in Toronto declined significantly between 2018 and 2022. This decline generally was experienced among residents from all backgrounds. Wellbeing continues to vary significantly across the city and improves as both age and socio-economic status increase. The wellbeing of younger adults in Toronto (and particularly younger women) remains much lower than average.

Roughly one in four Torontonians reports that their income is not enough for them (either they are stretched, or are having a hard time), and one in five reports that, at some point in the past 12 months, they had eaten less than they felt they should because there wasn’t enough money to buy food. Single parents, Black Torontonians, those with a disability and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+ are all more likely to experience each of these forms of insecurity.

KEY FINDINGS

  • Between 2018 and 2022, there was a considerable drop in Torontonians’ overall life satisfaction.
  • Torontonians are also less likely to report good physical or mental health in 2022 than they were in 2018.
  • Fewer Torontonians in 2022, compared to 2018, say they always have something to look forward to in life. Conversely, the proportion who say they only sometimes, or rarely or never, have something to look forward to in life has increased.
  • Torontonians who experience the most frequent discrimination have lower life satisfaction, poorer mental health and greater economic insecurity than those who experience
SCS2022-Infographics_05-Wellbeing.jpg

COMMUNITY INSIGHTS

While mental health and food security have long been issues in the community, many nonprofits highlighted just how severe these challenges remain. The pandemic has created considerable strain and more people need food than organizations can provide. The need for counselling has also increased considerably, but community organizations cannot keep pace.

  • Certain communities are particularly struggling with food insecurity, such as young people, people with disabilities, and Black residents
  • Mental health is a major challenge for youth, and finding sufficient culturally appropriate counselling and mental health services has been difficult

THE CONNECTION E-NEWSLETTER

Read the latest news, stories and insights on the city's needs and opportunities; organizations working on solutions; and how to get involved with your philanthropy.

SIGN UP