The Key to a Happy Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Study on Adult Development
Dr. Robert Waldinger, the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, has unveiled the secret to happiness and longevity in his new book, The Good Life: Lessons From the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. Co-written by Marc Schulz, the book draws on findings from an 85-year-long study that tracked the lives of thousands of people across three generations. In a conversation with McKinsey Global Publishing's Molly Liebergall, Waldinger shares the key findings, their implications, and practical advice for living a happier life.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development
The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the longest known study of human life, focusing on the same individuals throughout their entire adult lives. Over 2,000 people have been studied in the 85-year-long research project, which began in 1938 in Boston. While the study initially only included white men from Harvard and children from troubled families, it has since expanded to encompass a more balanced gender distribution. Findings from other diverse studies have been incorporated to ensure the book's conclusions are applicable to a broader population.
The Key to Happiness: Good Relationships
After 85 years of research, the study found that the most significant factor contributing to happiness and longevity is having strong, warm connections with other people. Good relationships were found to be the strongest predictor of health and happiness as people aged. Initially, the researchers were skeptical of their own data, but eventually, they discovered that relationships impact our physiology and help us manage stress.
Meaningful Career vs. Meaningful Relationships
While achieving personal goals can contribute to a sense of fulfillment, the study found that it is not the same as deriving happiness from meaningful relationships. Participants who isolated themselves in pursuit of career success were often the unhappiest and experienced regret when looking back on their lives in their 80s.
The Role of Income and Education in Longevity
Higher-income individuals tend to live longer, but this is not necessarily due to their wealth. The study suggests that more educated people were better informed about health risks and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which contributed to their longevity.
Loneliness as a Public Health Challenge
Loneliness has been a growing issue, with about one in three people around the globe experiencing chronic loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, but it had been steadily increasing even before the pandemic. Loneliness is a stressor, and the absence of supportive relationships can keep the body in a constant state of low-level fight-or-flight mode, gradually damaging various body systems.
Creating and Nurturing Relationships: Practical Advice
To cultivate a happier life, individuals should take stock of their existing relationships and identify areas for improvement. Strengthening connections can be as simple as reaching out to a friend or family member. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining "social fitness," an ongoing practice similar to physical fitness, to prevent friendships from withering away due to neglect.
For those seeking new relationships, participating in activities they enjoy or care about with others can lead to the formation of connections. Volunteering or providing service to others can also help foster meaningful relationships.
Embracing Life's Uncertainties and Never Giving Up
Waldinger highlights that no life is free of difficulties and challenges, and happiness is not constant. Through the study's findings, he encourages people not to give up on relationships, emphasizing that new connections can be made even later in life. Unexpected friendships and love can be found at any age, and it is never too late to find happiness.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development offers invaluable insights into the secret of living a happy and long life. By prioritizing and nurturing meaningful relationships, individuals can experience greater well-being, better health, and a longer life. The importance of maintaining "social fitness" to preserve and grow connections cannot be understated. With loneliness becoming a significant public health challenge, individuals should take steps to strengthen their relationships and form new connections by participating in activities they enjoy and engaging in acts of service. Life will always present its uncertainties and challenges, but by embracing the power of relationships, people can experience a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment at any age. As the Harvard Study of Adult Development demonstrates, the secret to a happy life lies in the bonds we create and nurture throughout our lives.
