In 1938, researchers from Harvard Medical School recruited 268 male students from Harvard and followed them throughout their adult lives until their deaths. Every year, they investigated their lifestyles, habits, interpersonal relationships, work situations, and, most crucially, their sense of happiness.
Among these over 200 students, the most famous ones were John F. Kennedy and Ben Bradlee. Ben Bradlee was the editor and reporter of The Washington Post during the Watergate scandal and later won the Pulitzer Prize, which also changed the political landscape of the United States.
This research mainly aims to find out how their actions throughout their lives actually affect their happiness in old age.
But when you take a look, they are all elites. How could he not be happy?
At this time, another team in Boston conducted a follow-up study on 456 disadvantaged youth, regardless of whether they were from average or the lowest social strata. The research focused on the same issues. Currently, fewer than 60 of the participants are still alive.
Excluding uncontrollable factors, such as those at the genetic level or cases of hereditary diseases.
The seven most important factors for a healthy and happy old age that can be controlled by people are so simple that you might be shocked. The first one is not to smoke or quit as early as possible.
Second, don't drink alcohol.
Because drinking can alter brain circuits and subsequently lead to depression, both personal alcohol abuse and alcohol abuse among family members can have an impact on happiness.
Third, maintain a healthy weight, that is, avoid being overweight.
All the long-lived elderly people are fat. But he also mentioned another point: you should neither overeat nor go on a crazy diet. Moreover, you should consume enough protein and have a balanced diet.
Fourth, exercise. The best and most time-tested method is to take a walk every day.
Fifth, don't waste energy on internal conflicts. Don't toss and turn over every little thing. Just face the problem directly. If you can't solve it for the time being, set it aside and ignore it.
Sixth, education.
Those with a relatively high level of education and an active mind tend to live longer and be happier. Keep learning throughout your life and read extensively.
Seventh, a stable relationship with a partner, a stable marriage, or a partner who grows together, knows how to share difficulties, and provides a sense of reliance in the heart. It doesn't necessarily mean that she can help you solve any problems, not in a material sense. But rather, having a partner who is emotionally stable, mentally healthy, and can support you psychologically.
If we have to choose only one factor among these seven that is most crucial for a happy old age, it would be a good relationship with a partner. In other words, to be happy, one must love. There is no other way. This is of utmost importance.
The two pillars of happiness are: the first is to find a loved one and have a good relationship with your partner; the second is that your lifestyle should allow your loved one to be a part of your life. If you go to bed at 3 a.m. every day, smoke all day long, and your home is like a big chimney, or if you get drunk all the time, who would want to spend such a life with you?
A correct lifestyle is also suitable for someone to live happily with you.
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