Robert Waldinger is a fourth director of a study that started in 1930s. They selected American men from different socioeconomic groups and followed them for 75 years. This was the conclusion of the study: “good relationships keep us happier and healthier.”
- People who are more socially connected are healthier, happier, and live longer than those who are isolated.
- The quality of relationship is what counts, not quantity.
- Good relationships even protect our brains.
My Business Sustainability class professor shared this video with the class saying that it is unrelated to the course, but I think otherwise. If good relationship could keep us from nursing homes and reliance on pills and slow brain deterioration and aging, how is it not sustainability?
I thought back to my own lifestyle and relationships. I was brought up both by my family and by this culture to equate task-oriented productivity with success. My diligence in completing every day task did help me excel in school and work. However, according to this study, those cannot enhance my happiness and health as effectively as secure relationships could. With some more reflection, I realized that during the toughest times of my life, my loved ones’ encouragement and support insulated me from stress and despair. This made this reassess my priorities.
I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my spouse tonight.