News for all you optimists

Lest journalists be accused of devoting too much ink to "negative" stories, and the reading/viewing public of paying more attention to them, here's a glimpse to remind us of the progress we're making:

1. Crime is down, again. FBI data show the number of Americans in prison systems (including parole) is the lowest in a decade. That's partly due to more diversion programs for the mentally ill, but there is also less crime; 2014 saw a large drop in violent felonies, which have been steadily declining in recent years.

2. Health care access is up. According to Gallup, the number of uninsured Americans dropped from 17 percent in 2013 to 12.9 percent at the end of 2014. Those who report they can't afford health care - which had steadily risen since 2005 - dropped from 41 percent in 2012 to 35 percent in 2014, and is still declining. As reported in The Monitor Weekly, those who say they denied themselves necessary healthcare also dropped by more than 7 percent.

3. Preschoolers are healthier. Obesity rates among 2- to 5-year-olds fell 40 percent between 2003 and 2012, the American Medical Association reports. However, in other age groups obesity remains high. Baby steps.

4. Fewer crashes. Despite high-profile aircraft accidents, 2014 saw the fewest crashes worldwide in air travel's history, according to the Aviation Safety Network. Of 33 million commercial flights, the 18 crashes listed included 10 cargo, and eight passenger flights. The Federal Railroad Commission also reports that railroad crossing collisions are down 85 percent since 1978; of course there are far fewer trains.

Whether or not the average person keeps up with good news, there is encouraging evidence that most of us see life's glass as half-full. Gallup International tries to measure optimism by looking at behavioral indices which tend to lift economic participation and quality of life. Their latest annual polling found that 70 percent of people worldwide (83 percent in Africa) are "happy with their lives." That's up 10 percent from 2013.

"There is no problem which doesn't have some underlying need for optimism, stamina, resilience, and collaboration." - Jane McGonigal

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].