These are the secrets to thriving in 2025, according to 3,000 women of all ages
Right now, the idea of thriving ⎻ rather than just surviving ⎻ might feel out of reach. So, if you're looking for ways to make 2025 the year you thrive, then a new survey might serve as inspiration.
For instance, 46% of women think that owning a home is a pre-requisite to thriving, according to the Good Housekeeping ‘Gentelligence’ project.
It surveyed nearly 3,000 women, with the youngest aged 18 and the eldest over 90, to see how women thrive, looking across areas such as money, bodies, relationships, politics and more to see what we to thrive ⎻ and what's standing in every generations way of living better.
What women need to thrive in 2025
Relationships
Two thirds of women say they don't need a relationship to thrive, the survey found. While we don't have stats from yesteryear to compare this to, we can safely say that the pro-single movement is meaning that women are not settling for relationships that don't serve them for the sake of it.
Each generation also agreed that a thriving relationship requires three elements: sharing the same values, being faithful, and laughing on a daily basis.
Money
As mentioned, 46% of women think that home ownership is required to thrive. It makes sense: renters to be twice as likely to experience anxiety as homeowners, according to a Joseph Rowntree Foundation report.
However, the housing and cost of living crises, coupled with a lack of confidence in finances, means women are struggling to thrive.
Six in ten don’t feel confident about making financial decisions, according to the survey, while seven in ten say they don’t feel financially secure – concerns that were evident across generations.
Body
The survey shows there is much work still to do around women’s relationship with their bodies.
Across generations, almost half said they thought negatively about their appearance. Unfortunately, we already know that social media puts pressure on women and adds to body comparison and dissatisfaction. While there are certain times in life when we're more vulnerable to this messaging, such as during puberty or menopause, feeling good about ourselves can sadly be a lifelong quest.
Thankfully, only 5% have tried weight-loss injections, citing concerns about side effects and long-term complications.
Friendship
Community is essential in order to thrive, and when it comes to what we look for in other women, the survey found kindness wins out with 63% of the vote.
This is closely followed by integrity (51%), confidence (44%), honesty (41%) and wisdom (31%).
As a trait to admire, 'ambition’ garnered just 14% of the overall vote – but it scored 58% among career orientated Gen Z and Millennials.
Politics
Standing up for what you believe in and making change are important ways to thrive, found the survey.
All generations are as likely as each other to make their voices heard – whether that’s by voting, starting petitions or posting on social media.
Over 70% of Gen Z are actively involved in campaigning – with focuses including healthcare, violence against women and poverty.
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