{"id":237917,"date":"2026-02-25T15:28:50","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:28:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abcmedia.am\/?p=237917"},"modified":"2026-02-25T15:41:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:41:20","slug":"whats-the-secret-to-a-happy-life-an-80-year-harvard-study-says-love-wins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abcmedia.am\/en\/news\/237917\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the secret to a happy life? An 80-year Harvard study says love wins"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Harvard Study of Adult Development has followed participants for more than 80 years, and its findings are clear: strong, positive social connections are the single most powerful predictor of happiness and health as we age.<\/p>\n

Led by Dr Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, and Dr Marc Schulz, a psychology professor at Bryn Mawr College, the research has tracked the lives of hundreds of individuals – first Harvard undergraduates and boys from disadvantaged Boston neighbourhoods, later expanding to include their families across generations.<\/p>\n

Their bestselling book The Good Life distills decades of data – from medical records to heartfelt interviews – into one resounding message: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period,” Dr Waldinger said.<\/p>\n

The study found that people with a range of close relationships—whether with romantic partners, family, friends, or even coworkers—were happier and healthier over time. But it wasn’t the types nor the number of relationships a person had that mattered most. It was the quality of those connections, Dr. Waldinger says.<\/p>\n

“We found that human beings need exercise, nutrition, and a sense of purpose—but most of all, we need each other,” he says. “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That’s the revelation.”<\/p>\n

Dr. Waldinger states that the people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80.”<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"