Doctor Behind Big Study about Lykke was ‘shocked’ over the greatest indicator for long and healthy life

Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development – the longest scientific study of the life of adults – told that the most important factor was: « How connected one was with other people – and especially how warm and close relationships were. »

Apparently, scientists were deeply surprised by these results, the US media New York Post writes.

« How can our relationships actually penetrate the body and change our physiology? » Walling was wondering.

The best explanation, he thinks, is about stress – namely that good relationships actually act as stress reducing.

We know that emotions can sit physically in the body – like when the heart rate rises and breathing becomes faster if you get upset or feel anxious. And the opposite happens when you fall asleep, he explained. Having someone to confide in playing a pretty big role in it turns out.

« People without social relations do not have the same mechanisms for stress regulation that people with strong relationships have, » Waldinger said.

But the secret is that it is not enough just to have relationships, as one must also care for them as a garden. Most people do not expect to be in good physical form without making an effort, so why should relationships be different?

« The people who were best at relationships were those who actively made an effort to keep in touch and care for their relationship. Most of us take our relationships for granted, » he said.

Waldinger went so far as to say that people who deliberately keep in touch and cultivate relationships have some kind of ‘super power’ that is often overlooked.

The best part is that you do not have to plan an expensive journey or a special activity to enjoy it. Small things – like having eye contact with the barista making your coffee, or talking kindly with the security staff at the airport – also gives us ‘small shots of well -being’, according to Waldinger.

It is the latest call from an increasing number of experts that remind us that social relationships are a fundamental part of being human. And now it has been found that it is also a decisive factor for health.

A recent study has even identified socializing as one of six factors that can be influenced by, which reduce the risk of dementia, stroke and depression. This conclusion builds on previous research that shows that it also promotes long life.

But it’s easy to forget in an increasingly digital world. Psychotherapist Kathryn Smerling has previously stated to the New York Post that she often ‘prints socialization’ as a kind of prescription for her clients.

Later in his presentation, Waldinger also mentioned that our culture does not always lead us in the right direction when it comes to happiness:

« The achievements we chase – money, prices, followers on social media – seem appealing because they can be measured. That’s why we think they will make us happy. But they don’t, » he said.

« The culture is trying to sell us the idea that if we just do everything right, then we will be happy all the time. But it doesn’t fit. No one is happy all the time. »

So the next time you will feel like a superhero – try to call your mom. She will certainly also appreciate that you do.