Nate’s Notes 123: The World’s Longest Study of Happiness | Marc Schulz

Thanks for listening to this episode of Meikles and Dimes. What great findings Marc shared from the Harvard Study of Adult Development that he’s now the director of, one of the longest studies on human experience ever conducted.

The study has followed more than 2,000 people spanning more than 85 years, and the one finding that stands out above all other findings, is that relationships keep us happier and healthier through our lives.

Yet, sadly, loneliness is quite prevalent. In the United States, in a given week, 20-50% of adults report being lonely, and loneliness is as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes/day.

To reduce loneliness, people can focus on social fitness.  Just as physical fitness is an important predictor of health and happiness, so too is social fitness. By thinking about our social lives in terms of what’s working, and then prioritizing our positive social relationships we can improve our happiness. Social fitness is all about making time for our friends and loved ones. Eating lunch with them, going on walks with them, or calling them. When people in their 80s discuss their regrets, most regrets are centered on relationships: losing contact with friends, or not being as kind as they could have been to the people they loved.

In summary, to be happier and healthier, and to avoid regrets later in life, prioritize social fitness.

It’s a simple idea. Please take it seriously.

Marc Schulz Bio:

Marc Schulz is the associate director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, an 85-year study of individuals and families.  He is also the author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.

Marc earned an undergraduate degree from Amherst College and a Ph.D. from California Berkeley.

I hope you enjoy learning from Marc Schulz and his incredible study, because I certainly did.