Feeling sad today? No wonder. You’re living in or near the 16th saddest city in America.
At least that’s what it says on something called the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, which “captures how people feel about and experience their daily lives.
“Well-being is correlated with healthcare utilization and cost as well as productivity measures like absenteeism, presenteeism [coming to work sick] and job performance.”
Akron scored worst in the category “community pride.”
“Like other Rust Belt cities,” the study says, “Akron has seen its population drop, though not as dramatically as Cleveland. Still, 3,000 properties remain vacant throughout the city, which doesn’t contribute to a vibrant-looking neighborhood.
“Akron’s unemployment rate is also greater than the national average, peaking at a high of almost 14 percent during the Great Recession.”
Cleveland was one spot behind us, scoring the worst in “supportive relationships.” The researchers figure that grade “most likely stems from steep population loss: nearly a 20 percent drop since the year 2000.”
It should be noted, however, that the survey was done well before the Cleveland Cavaliers brightened the mood throughout Northeast Ohio.
On the other hand ... the whole state allegedly is sad. Ohio holds seven of the top 20 spots — including the top two.
The saddest city in America supposedly is Youngstown, which “scored poorly in almost every metric measured” but was particularly bad in “personal purpose” and “supportive relationships.”
Toledo finished second, lugging around horrid marks for “community pride.”
Dayton, in fourth, scored badly in “physical health.”
Sigh.
I think I’ll go take a nap.
BETTER NEWS
No! Wait a minute! Another survey, a newer one, brings good tidings of great joy.
This one says Northeast Ohio is cheap!
Um, maybe that’s not the best news ever. But it’s nice for the pocketbook.
AARP The Magazine chose Cleveland as one of five places where you can “live the good life on $40,000 a year.”
Article excerpt: “The Remake on the Lake: With its varied neighborhoods, world-class orchestra, thriving downtown, elite medical centers and miles of biking and hiking trails along Lake Erie, this Rust Belt city is staging a mighty comeback.
“It’s been fueled in part by the rising tide of boomers, who are 25.8 percent of the population ….
“The appeal is also how easy it is to get to museums, music venues and sports stadiums. And after basketball superstar LeBron James led the Cavaliers to the city’s first major sports championship in 52 years last June, there is a real sense of optimism around town.”
Love the term “Remake on the Lake.” Hope it catches on.
STRIPPER PRAISE
An octogenerian reader lit up when she saw Mark J. Price’s recent This Place, This Time feature about burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, who staged 18 performances in downtown Akron in 1941.
Bob: Boy, do I remember that show! When I was 7 years old, my big brother Jim was at Wittenberg U. He came home and wanted to see this on stage. So he took me with him.
We took the bus and it was 10 cents one way!
I was sworn to secrecy. Every time he did something, I’d say, ‘I’ll tell Mom!’ I think we did tell her when she was in her 80s.
He’s now 94 and I am 83, and we have laughed about it forever.
I still remember that she extended her lovely arm out of the left side of the stage and with lovely music she sexually took off the glove and started to gracefully strut and strip around the stage.
God, she was beautiful! And oh so graceful.
Wow, what we are missing. Kids dress with less to go to school now than she had on with a striptease.
Sally Hrdlicka
Green
Bob Dyer can be reached at 330-996-3580 or bdyer@thebeaconjournal.com. He also is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bob.dyer.31