The latest results from the Global Flourishing Study (GFS) have provided further insights into the concept of ‘flourishing’, defined as ‘the relative attainment of a state in which all aspects of a person's life are good, including the contexts in which that person lives.’ According to researchers, ‘this holistic view of wellbeing acknowledges that a well-lived life is more than just health or happiness – it is a rich interplay of multiple life dimensions’ (Gallup, 2025).
The GFS is a longitudinal study following more than 200 000 people from around 20 countries, and focuses on this wider concept of flourishing, comprising core domains including meaning, relationships, character, financial stability, and physical and mental health. It appears that flourishing is linked to social relationships, financial security and a sense of purpose.
The study findings could play a role in rethinking how health professionals perceive their work, prescribing practices and approach to a holistic model of care that protects wellbeing and allows people to thrive, in addition to treating their medical conditions.
For practitioners in prescribing roles, it may be a reminder to consider not just pharmacological therapies but also the patient's overall lifestyle. For example, relying on a medical model that does not take sufficient account of mental health could be an important factor. The GFS results reinforce the need for prescribers to choose interventions that are effective not just for physical symptoms, but also the patient's assessment of their own wellbeing, and their views about how they are flourishing as they age.
Of equal importance is that the GFS serves as a reminder that health professionals need to attend to their own wellbeing, as we know burnout and workforce pressures can affect the quality of care practitioners are able to give to their patients. A separate study published in BMC Primary Care explored the relationship between cultural and structural workforce issues, and retention of nurses in general practice (Anderson et al, 2025). The authors concluded that there is a need for policy makers, employers and professional organisations to address cultural and structural issues to improve nurse retention, including enhancing recognition of nurses’ value, providing professional development opportunities, ensuring fair employment practices and involving nurses in decision-making processes to create a supportive and sustainable work environment.
Taken together, this research paints a picture of a new and different way to measure the health and wellbeing of people across the world. The third wave of data collection for the GPS is currently under way, with an expected release of updated findings in 2026.