Living the Good Life — not what you think

From eric barker:

Via The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study:

…many (but not all) of the recommendations for happiness are nearly identical to recommendations for maintaining health.

For example, those trying to improve their happiness are advised to do the following things:

• Watch less TV

• Improve social relations— spend time with friends

• Increase levels of physical activity— go for a long walk

• Help others and express gratitude to those who have helped you

• Take on new challenges to remain fresh and in-the-moment

If there was one main takeaway from the study and the book, it was how important relationships are:

…connecting with and helping others is more important than obsessing over a rigorous exercise program.

And it wasn’t getting help from others that conferred a long life. It was giving help.