The Happy Well

As we get older, there is no doubt our priorities shift. In our twenties and thirties, we are flat to the boards, building skills and capabilities to succeed in our chosen profession. Many of us will change that profession many times. In our forties and fifties, we get to consolidate our knowledge and hopefully morph it into wisdom. But the question remains, does success over the years drive happiness in later life?

In Arthur C Brooks book From Strength to Strength, he refers to a Harvard Medical School study which began in 1938. The study tracked a group of Harvard students (and later, this was extended to others starting in this age bracket to help diversity) through from their college years to death and looked at what ultimately led to late-life wellness.

The study identified two types of characteristics which contributed to the happiness participants experienced later in life. The happy group was called the “Happy Well”, who enjoyed good physical health, good mental health and high life satisfaction. The second group was called the “Sad- Sick” who were below average in the above categories.

So, what was the secret to the Happy Well? It turns out that some traits are environmental, like having a happy childhood and the social class of your parents, and some are genetic, but luckily, there are seven traits that we can influence. Some are obvious, but some may surprise.

The first two are smoking and alcohol abuse, both of which are linked heavily to the sad unwell. The next two we hear plenty about and will be no surprise. They are having a healthy body weight and getting enough exercise. The last three, however, are not so obvious. They are:

Adaptative coping style. Facing problems head-on without excessive rumination.

Education. More education leads to an active mind later on.

Stable long-term relationships and not just marriage, although this may form part of it.

As we strive hard to succeed, work long hours and spend our time focusing on that which is important in our first four working decades, many of us do not take the time, in the moment, to invest in those things that will ultimately help determine how happy and well we are later in life.

Time to go have a coffee with a mate!