The Harvard study, while limited in scope, has been broadened over time to include more diverse participants. It emphasizes the importance of relationships in keeping people happier and healthier across their lifespan, as loneliness has been found to erode health. The study and other research indicate that good relationships contribute to better health and happiness, while the lack of such relationships diminishes overall well-being. Specific findings show that chronic loneliness can lead to a higher risk of premature death, and a growing number of people report feeling lonely in the modern world.
What makes us happy? Researchers at Harvard have been trying to solve that riddle for 85 years. Now, they think they’ve found the answer. Marc Schulz, associate director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, joins to tell us more.