Alexandros Pantalis and Ithri Benamara
30 de junio de 2025
The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the world’s longest-running happiness study. It launched in 1938, following 724 men from teenagehood to old age. Later, the study incorporated their spouses and 1,300 of their descendants. Participants answer regular questions about their health, habits, income and relationships as well as their hopes, joys, disappointments and regrets.
A recent study by Harvard University has found that the quality of our relationships is the most important factor in determining our happiness. The study, which was conducted over 85 years, followed 724 men from adolescence to old age.
The study found that people with strong, supportive relationships were happier, healthier, and lived longer than those with weak or troubled relationships. The study also found that social fitness, or the ability to build and maintain strong relationships, was more important to a long and happy life than genes, social class, or IQ.
There are many benefits to having strong relationships. For example, people with strong relationships are more likely to:
There are many things you can do to improve your social fitness. Here are a few tips:
In addition to strong relationships, physical health is also important for happiness. The study found that people who took care of their physical health, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, were happier and healthier than those who did not.
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