Living a life filled with purpose, joy, and vitality as we age is a universal aspiration. New insights from one of the world’s longest-running scientific investigations are shedding light on exactly how to achieve it.
Behavioral scientist and happiness expert Arthur Brooks, a distinguished professor at both Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, recently discussed key findings from the monumental Harvard Study of Adult Development. This unparalleled 85-year longitudinal study, tracking adult lives across generations, identified several common habits of people who live happy and healthy lives.
Appearing on Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s FoundMyFitness podcast, Brooks detailed six specific practices he considered vital, noting that while some are intuitively understood, others are frequently underestimated.
Foundational Habits for a Flourishing Life, According to Harvard:
Nourish Your Body Wisely
A cornerstone of both physical and mental well-being, a nutritious and balanced diet consistently supports health over time. What you feed your body profoundly impacts your energy levels, mood, and cognitive function for years to come.
Embrace Moderate Movement
While exercise is undeniably vital, Brooks emphasizes moderation. Pushing the body too hard or engaging in extreme regimens can ironically lead to 'mechanical ill,' causing injury or burnout. The key lies in consistent, moderate activity that supports, rather than strains, your physical structure.
Practice Substance Prudence
Happy and healthy individuals demonstrate moderation when it comes to substances. They actively avoid addiction, and if issues arise, they diligently seek to overcome them. Brooks starkly warns that 'people who smoke have a seven in 10 chance of dying of a smoking-related illness – and that’s an unhappy way to go,' highlighting addiction as a significant barrier to long-term happiness and health.
Cultivate Lifelong Curiosity
The pursuit of knowledge and an insatiable curiosity are hallmarks of those who thrive into old age. Lifelong learners, often found engrossed in reading or exploring new ideas, maintain mental agility and a vibrant engagement with the world around them, contributing to greater overall happiness and health.
Master the Art of Coping
Developing effective strategies for navigating life’s inevitable challenges is crucial. Brooks describes this as honing your 'technique for dealing with life’s problems,' emphasizing the necessity of becoming skilled in resilience. Whether through therapy, meditation, prayer, or journaling, those with the best lives possess a refined ability to process and overcome adversity.
Prioritize Deep Connections and Love
Perhaps the most profound insight from the study, according to Brooks, is the irreplaceable value of human connection. Individuals who enjoy the happiest and healthiest later years are those who cultivate strong romantic partnerships and/or close friendships. Brooks unequivocally states, 'There’s no substitute for love. Happiness is love – full stop.'