This video gives an overview of an extended research on
"What Makes People Happy?"

This is Walter Waldinger talking on Ted Talks.

Watch
"What Makes People Happy?"
12:46
(The results of this study begins at 6:00)

But, just in case you don't have time to watch this 12 minute video, here's a quick recap of what they discovered:

........................

Satisfying relationships are good for your Happiness & your Health.
Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.

Social connections are really good for us.

People that are more socially connected
(to family, to friends, to communitiy)
are happier, healthier, and they live longer.

Loneliness kills. Loneliness is toxic.
Lonely people are less happy.
Their health declines earlier in life.
Their brain functions decline sooner.
They live shorter lives.

It's not how many friends you have.
It's not whether you are in a committed relationship.
It's the QUALITY of the relationships you have, that matters.

Living in the midst of frequent conflict (like high-conflict marriages)
is really bad for your health.

Those most-satisfied in their relationships are the healthiest.

When old people experience severe physical pain,
they are still emotionally happy - if they are in a satisfying relationship,
but they are even more unhappy - if they are not in a satisfying relationship.

Good relationships don't just protect our bodies -
they also protect our brains.

For those in their 80s that feel they are in a satisfying committed relationship with someone they feel they can count on,
their memories remain sharper longer.

For those in their 80s that feel they are NOT in a satisfying committed relationship with someone they feel they can count on,
their memories decline sooner.

In a related issue, the multi-billionaire, Richard Broson, measures "success" by how happy you are.

Read
(text)