Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness | TED - YouTube

What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness

What determines our happiness and health as we navigate life? A survey revealed that over 80% of millennials aim to get rich, while 50% seek fame. However, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, possibly the longest study on adult life, provides a different perspective. Spanning 75 years, it has followed 724 men, inquiring about their work, health, and home lives, and now includes over 2,000 of their children.

The participants came from diverse backgrounds, including Harvard sophomores and boys from Boston's poorest neighborhoods. Despite the challenges, this study has persisted, with around 60 original participants still involved, most in their 90s.

The findings are clear: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Social connections are beneficial; loneliness is detrimental, leading to health decline and shorter lifespans. It's not the quantity of relationships but the quality that counts. High-conflict relationships are harmful, while warm, affectionate ones are protective.

At midlife, relationship satisfaction was a better predictor of healthy aging than cholesterol levels. Close relationships buffer against the hardships of aging, maintaining happiness even amidst physical pain. Secure relationships in one's 80s safeguard against memory decline, while unstable ones correlate with earlier memory loss.

The study underscores that relationship maintenance is ongoing and crucial for well-being. The happiest retirees were those who replaced workmates with new friends. The key takeaway from the 75-year study is that leaning into relationships with family, friends, and community is what truly leads to the best life.

In conclusion, Mark Twain's reflection resonates: life is too short for conflict; there's only time for love. The foundation of a good life is built on good relationships.

The original article: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzI&list=PLV7xfBoJKBNQ3yhYgQRqocSWs1MKF7j0n&index=10