The Secret to Achieving Lasting Happiness and Health
A 75 year longitudinal Harvard study on adult development tracking the health of 268 Harvard sophomores from 1938, found that good relationships are the key for long-lasting happiness.
Over the years, researchers tracked each individuals' health, as well as their broader lives, including their successes and setbacks in love and work, and the results have yielded astonishing insights.The study found that close relationships, more so than money or fame, is what keeps us happy. These strong connections shield people from life’s setbacks and delay physical and mental ageing. More so than genes, social class, and IQ, the strength of our relationships act as predictors of long and happy lives.
By studying medical records and in-person questionnaire and surveys, researchers found a strong correlation between men’s flourishing lives and their personal relationships. Studies found that people’s level of relationship satisfaction at age 50 was a better indicator of physical health than cholesterol levels. According to Robert Waldinger, the study's director, “when we gathered together everything we knew about them at age 50, it wasn’t their middle-age cholesterol levels that predicted how they were going to grow old. It was how satisfied they were in their relationships. The people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80.”
"It wasn’t their middle-age cholesterol levels that predicted how they were going to grow old. It was how satisfied they were in their relationships."
Additionally, the researchers discovered that satisfaction in one’s marriage had a significant effect on mental health. The study found that even on days when they were in physical pain, individuals in their 80s who were in happy marriages reported that their moods did not suffer. Those who were in unhappy marriages however, felt more emotional and physical pain. To this, Waldinger adds “loneliness is as powerful as smoking or alcoholism”.
According to another study that was published in the "Social Science and Medicine” journal, those who have strong social support networks are less likely to experience mental health problems like depression and anxiety. The study also discovered that individuals with strong social ties were more likely to practise healthy habits like staying active and having a balanced diet.
Numerous other studies support the basis that people who have satisfying relationships are happier, experience fewer health problems, and live longer. A study, published in the "Personality and Social Psychology Review”, discovered that those who had satisfying romantic relationships tended to have higher levels of self-esteem and self-worth. This positive self-image was linked to greater happiness and well-being.
Effective communication is one of the essential elements of building healthy interpersonal relationships. According to a study that was published in the "Communication Research" journal, couples who engaged in effective communication, such as active listening and expressing their needs and wants clearly, had relationships that were stronger and more satisfying.
If you’re looking for the secret to living a happy, fulfilled and long life therefore, look no further and invest time and effort in building and most importantly, maintaining relationships with family, friends and romantic partners.