IT’S been very interesting to see what makes people in Bolton happy.

Psychology Professor Jerome Carson and researcher Sandy McHugh from the University of Bolton posed the question, replicating a social experiment carried out in the town in 1938.

In the wake of the famous Mass Observation project, an advert was put in the then Bolton Evening News asking local people for their thoughts on happiness. In 2014, readers were asked to compile a happiness index by rating the importance of 10 factors ranging from beauty to more security and religion. Hundreds took part and it attracted international attention.

In 1938, the survey results showed security, knowledge and religion were the three most important aspects for happiness. By 2014, security was still there but good humour and leisure were in first and second places. Religion fell to 10th. The second part of this modern experiment is the current survey where people can say what happiness means to them. For many it would still be security but rather than the physical sort (perhaps most understandable in 1938 with the threat of war) now I suspect it would be financial security for which most of us strive.

“Good health” would figure greatly on many people’s agendas. What could be an often repeated modern suggestion might revolve around seeing family more often – especially for isolated older residents for whom visits from family may be rare. Some might wish for a “proper job”, especially the long-term unemployed for whom even getting a job interview feels like a major achievement.

And, with the Olympics in mind, many would equate happiness with doing well in their chosen sport. A Lottery win, taking The X Factor title or gaining a dazzling Hollywood smile could easily figure in today’s wish-lists among the young and impressionable. Perhaps add liposuction and a trout pout to that one.

Many older residents, though, might simply wish for “peace and quiet” in a world obsessed with noise and chatter. For me, after the usual financial security for me and mine, good health and peace of mind, happiness would also mean being in the countryside. In fact, anywhere with a poor phone signal — just to stop that incessant beeping to tell me I have another email.

Worth a five minute ponder, wouldn’t you say?