The Good Life

Journal of the American Medical Association

According to a recent survey fromRoperASW, 71% of Americans are optimisticabout achieving "the good life,"despite the attacks of September 11,recession, a shaky stock market, and thethreat of terrorism. That's just a smidgenbelow the 72% who felt that way back in1999, before the stock market bubbleburst. Good health and a happy familytop the list of what makes up the goodlife, but 48% think a vacation home ispart of it, compared with 35% who saidthat 4 years ago, and more than halfthink the good life means a second car, upfrom 43% in 1999. According to a recentreport, about 80% of practicingphysicians say they are "satisfied overall"with their medical career.