Beyond income: measuring quality of life in Mexico
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In Mexico, people are increasingly evaluating progress not just by income and poverty rates, but by overall quality of life.
For years, income and poverty have been key indicators of advancement, but these measures don’t fully capture wellbeing. Many individuals may earn more money yet still face vulnerability due to illness, insecurity, job loss, or limited opportunities for their children.
The author notes Mexico has made progress, with multidimensional poverty affecting 29.6% of the population in 2024 and a significant recovery in the minimum wage. However, true progress means having access to healthcare without financial ruin, feeling safe in public spaces, and having access to quality education and employment. In 2024, 34.2% of the Mexican population, 44.5 million people, lacked access to health services, though this represents an improvement from 2022.
Mexican households spent over 800 billion pesos on healthcare in 2024, and the author stresses that protecting health also protects financial stability. He argues that collaboration between public systems, businesses, social organizations, and insurers can expand access to affordable care. He also emphasizes the importance of citizen responsibility and solidarity, suggesting small actions like respecting traffic laws and reporting crimes can transform a nation.
Ultimately, the author believes Mexico should focus on converting income into better health, security, education, and opportunities to create lasting social mobility.
