U.S. real GDP is substantially higher today than it was 60 years ago. What does this tell us, and what does it not tell us, about the well-being of U.S. residents?

Since this is in real terms, it tells us that the U.S. is able to make a lot more stuff than in the past. Some of the increase in real GDP is probably due to an increase in population, so we could say more if we knew what had happened to real GDP per person. Supposing that there was also an increase in real GDP per person, we can say that the standard of living has risen. Material things are an important part of well-being. Having sufficient amounts of things such as food, shelter, and clothing are fundamental to well-being. Other things such as security, a safe environment, access to safe water, access to medical care, justice, and freedom also matter. However, many of these things are more easily obtained by being able to produce more using fewer resources. Countries with higher real GDP per person tend to have longer life spans, less discrimination towards women, less child labor, and a higher rate of literacy.