Medicine Hat Makes Me Happy!

According to Dan Buettner from “Blue Zones”, there is a correlation between being Happy and Living Longer, it therefore stands to reason that most people want to live where they can be the happiest. There is a growing trend (especially since the pandemic) of people moving to where they can live happily.

Some contributing factors to a place being “Happy” are:

Trust – Trustworthy police, politicians, and neighbors

Walkability – Multi use trails to facilitate physical activity and socializing.

Access to Nature – A proximity to parks, open spaces, and trees.

Clean Environment – Clean water, air, and land.

People Friendly Streets – Quiet safe streets that favour humans over cars.

Healthful Food – Farmer’s Markets, Greenhouses & Local Restaurants.

Healthy Behaviours – Promote a healthy lifestyle (walking, cycling, running, pickleball, kayaking). Restrictions on smoking, encourage less obesity & drug abuse.

Medicine Hat already enjoys many of these features and by adding the right policies and programs, a higher and happier quality of life can be achieved. Wouldn’t it be great if we could promote Medicine Hat as not only the sunniest City in Canada but also the Happiest!

Shelley Acheson