Science & Soul with Dr Kristen Holmes Happiness Doctor: This is Why You'll Divorce at 45! How Loneliness is Slowly Killing You!
Jun 18, 2025
Dr. Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study on Adult Development, dives into the science of happiness and relationships. He explains why many face divorce around 45 and emphasizes the importance of authentic connections for well-being. The discussion reveals how technology and social media impact our happiness, urging listeners to cultivate meaningful relationships and practice radical curiosity. Waldinger also highlights the difference between immediate pleasure and deeper fulfillment, showing that even the toughest circumstances can lead to growth.
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Two Kinds Of Happiness
- Happiness has two kinds: hedonic (momentary pleasure) and eudaimonic (long-term meaning).
- Eudaimonic well-being provides a stable sense that life is worthwhile even during bad days.
Connection Extends Healthspan
- Social connection increases healthspan and delays disability.
- Loneliness acts as a chronic stressor that accelerates disease and functional decline.
Midlife Recalibration Explained
- Midlife awareness of mortality often triggers reassessment of life and relationships.
- This urgency explains waves of midlife divorce or major career recalibrations.
