A recent Gallup poll reveals a concerning trend of decreasing happiness among younger generations, particularly Gen Z. Less than half of Gen Z now report "thriving," a significant decline from previous years. The percentage of 18- to 29-year-olds identifying as "thriving" is projected to be 44% in 2026, a substantial drop from 64% in 2010. This decline saw a notable acceleration after 2019, plummeting to 39% due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on mental health and social isolation.Gallup's Life Evaluation Index classifies individuals as "thriving" if they rate their current and future lives highly on a 0-10 scale. While there was a slight rebound in Gen Z's "thriving" rate to 51% in 2023, it has fallen again for 2026. This ongoing decline is attributed to factors like increased depression rates, deteriorating relationship quality, reduced daily enjoyment, and decreased feelings of activity and productivity.The struggle extends beyond Gen Z, with Millennials also experiencing decreased well-being; only 45% are "thriving," down from 62% in 2016-2017. Gen X is similarly affected, with 46% reporting they are "thriving," matching their 2008 low. In stark contrast, Baby Boomers (65 and older) show an upward trend in life satisfaction, with 53% now "thriving," matching their 2021 record high.This generational difference is largely attributed to Baby Boomers' increased financial security and accumulated wealth, with 59% reporting sufficient money for their desires. The 2026 estimates are based on comprehensive Gallup surveys involving over 15,000 U.S. adults.