The Secret to a Happy Life - Lessons from 8 Decades of Research

Discover the secrets to a happy and healthy life in this TED Talk by psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, who leads the Harvard Study of Adult Development. Explore the crucial link between social connections and well-being, drawing from eight decades of research. Learn how to identify and strengthen relationships that significantly impact your quality of life. Gain insights into the types of connections that support well-being, the concept of social fitness, and practical advice for making meaningful connections. Understand the factors that contribute to happiness and health, and learn how to assess your own social fitness. Hear Waldinger's personal reflections on how the study has changed his life, along with advice for parents and insights into the future of this groundbreaking research.

Introduction
The Harvard Study of Adult Development
What Kinds of Relationships Are Essential
Which Types of Relationships Support Our WellBeing
Social Fitness
Make Connections
Harvard Study of Adult Development
Other Studies
Happiness and Health
Choice
Factors
Assessing Social Fitness
How Do We Define Relationships
Best Relationships
Member Question
How has this study changed your life
Advice for parents
Future of the study
Conclusion