Harvard research reveals the #1 key to living longer and happier

The longest study ever conducted on human happiness has revealed some fascinating insights about what really leads to health and fulfillment over a lifetime.

Dr. Robert Waldinger is professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of the book “The Good Life.” For more than 80 years, researchers like Bob have tracked the lives of people as part of this study. The project has followed participants from adolescence into old age, collecting data on their physical and mental health, jobs, relationships, and more.

Here’s what Dr. Waldinger says are foundational elements leading to happiness and a good, long life:

Relationships are key to health and happiness

The #1 insight from the Harvard study is that close relationships and social connections are crucial for our well-being as we age. Having supportive and nurturing relationships is a buffer against life’s stresses and protects overall health. According to Dr. Waldinger, good relationships "keep us healthier and happier." People with more robust social connections showed lower rates of diabetes, arthritis, cognitive decline, and other chronic conditions. The researchers hypothesise that close relationships act as "stress regulators"—they help our bodies calm down and return to equilibrium after being revved up by challenging events.

Don't just let friendships happen, be proactive

More than 40 percent of adults say they feel lonely some or all of the time. The participants who actively cultivated relationships over their lifetimes reaped rewards. But they didn’t just let things happen. They made plans with friends, reached out to people, and joined community and social groups. These folks weren’t just posting online and hoping for “likes”; as Dr. Waldinger observed, "The people who were most successful at this didn’t just leave it to chance." He noted that they intentionally nurtured their in-person social connections.

Take care of your body for the long haul

The Harvard study found that participants who exercised regularly and maintained their physical health throughout their lives were more able to thrive well into old age. One of the centenarians profiled in the research offered this advice: "Take care of your body like you're going to need it for 100 years."

Other researchers have come to similar conclusions about the essential role relationships play in wellbeing. Social neuroscientist John Cacioppo found that loneliness activates the body’s stress response and can lead to chronic inflammation. His research highlights the balancing role relationships play in regulating our nervous system. Likewise, behavioural economist Arthur Brooks has studied the intersection of happiness, relationships, and purpose. He validates the Harvard study’s finding that "taking care of our relationships" is critical, and that "our connections with others are nourishment for body, mind and soul."

As a practicing Zen Master, Dr. Waldinger brings a unique perspective on the role relationships play in wellbeing. He noted that his Zen training, which focuses on studying the self and seeking enlightenment, offers a complementary window into human experience alongside his Harvard research that has examined the lives of others. He summarises his findings in this way: "Loneliness kills. Social connections are as important to our long-term health as diet and exercise."

While many ingredients go into a fulfilling life, the Harvard study clarifies that relationships are foundational. So, who have you connected with today?

Originally published on www.forbes.com