‘Abundant Happiness Street’
In Macau, we have Rua da Felicidade (Happiness Street), Travessa da Felicidade (Felicidade Lane), Beco da Felicidade (Happiness Alley), and Pátio da Felicidade (Happiness Courtyard). Therefore, there is no lack of happiness. By the way, in Chinese, Rua da Felicidade is known as Fok Long San Kai [福隆新街], meaning Abundant Happiness New Street.
One of the first questions addressed in this special report is whether Macau residents, including the elderly, are happy. We then suggest approaches that can improve individual well-being, such as religion or mindfulness, and end up talking about what prevents us from being happy, such as stress at work, mental health, and the pandemic, and how to seek help.
When Rua da Felicidade was the local red-light district and not just a tourist spot, there were also two very different realities. At first glance, it was the heart of Macau’s love district, but during the day it hid several human dramas, as reported by historian Manuel Teixeira.
Then, as now, happiness can also hide a lot of unhappiness.
Co-ordinated by João Paulo Meneses
Are people in Macau happy or dissatisfied?
Can happiness be measured?
Macau is not included in The World Happiness Report
It’s not easy to be old
Problems such as loneliness and dementia are a part of everyday life for older people.
Sport is good, but where?
Mindfulness, to be better (in basketball)
Leap of faith
Religiosity was “significantly and positively related to satisfaction with life and overall health”.
“Macau residents are mostly happy”
“Religion may provide an answer, “says Professor Spencer De Li, a leading sociologist based in Macau
Work shift = stress
All jobs can be stressful, but working shifts compounds the problem.
