By LAURA LEONARD
Doctor of Chiropractic
Los Alamos

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the longest study of people’s lives ever conducted. The study began in the late 1930’s on groups of men from all walks of life including one president of the United States, many WW2 veterans and residents of low-income neighborhoods.

The remaining 16 participants are now in their mid 90s and are still being followed. From physical to emotional, every aspect of their lives has been recorded.

A recent survey of millennials found that 80 percent of them said getting rich was their most important life goal and 50 percent said being famous was their second. Captain Obvious statement here … being rich and famous was not what researchers determined as the keys to a happy life. Big sigh of relief! Very low odds on either of these at the end of the day. Not to mention the definition of wealth and influence are subjective and heavily influenced by how we individually see the world.

At the end of the day, researchers determined the quality of our relationships matter the most.  Turns out loneliness is as detrimental to our health as alcoholism and smoking.  Being in happy, close relationships at mid-life was more important to long term health than cholesterol levels.  People in their 80s who have supportive relationships report less pain and show less cognitive decline than their peers.

I personally believe this is due to having purpose in life. We have purpose when we are in relationship with others. Quality relationships are not only possible for people who are happily married. People who volunteer, own pets, have hobbies and live in community also create purpose and happiness in their daily lives. Perhaps we need to teach our children the importance of building relationships and start changing our cultures definition of success.

If you want to learn more, Harvard professor Robert Waldinger’s TED talk about this landmark adult development study has had over 2.2 million views. A 12-minute video well worth watching.

“There is only time for loving … the good life is built with good relationships.” – Mark Twain

“The best way to lengthen our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose.” – Charles Dickens

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” – Dalai Lama