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Posted On: October 27th 2026, 02:48 pm
In 1938, Harvard started following 724 young men to find out what makes people healthy and happy as they age. 88 years later, the study is still running.
The biggest finding surprised even the researchers.
It wasn’t cholesterol at 50 that best predicted who would be healthy at 80. It was how satisfied people were in their relationships.
What the study taught its director, Robert Waldinger:
1. Relationships at 50 predicted health at 80
2. Good relationships help your body recover from stress
3. Loneliness can be as harmful as smoking half a pack a day
4. Beyond the basics, money and fame add little happiness
5. Everyone needs at least one person they can count on
6. It’s never too late to build new connections
Who’s your person? Send this to them.
Follow @longevityyguide for daily tips on how to increase your lifespan and healthspan.
Sources: Harvard Gazette (2023); Robert Waldinger, TED (2015)
Not medical advice.
The biggest finding surprised even the researchers.
It wasn’t cholesterol at 50 that best predicted who would be healthy at 80. It was how satisfied people were in their relationships.
What the study taught its director, Robert Waldinger:
1. Relationships at 50 predicted health at 80
2. Good relationships help your body recover from stress
3. Loneliness can be as harmful as smoking half a pack a day
4. Beyond the basics, money and fame add little happiness
5. Everyone needs at least one person they can count on
6. It’s never too late to build new connections
Who’s your person? Send this to them.
Follow @longevityyguide for daily tips on how to increase your lifespan and healthspan.
Sources: Harvard Gazette (2023); Robert Waldinger, TED (2015)
Not medical advice.
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