When we look at the ark of people’s lives, one fundamental ingredient of a life lived well, of a good life, repeatedly shines through: the quality of one’s relationships. When we think of what we want for the people we love, for our children, one thing shines through: we want, above most things, for them not to be lonely.
The recent report from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (Tilda) highlights the persistent levels of loneliness among the older population, with similar studies identifying rates of loneliness among younger people close to 30 per cent. This is concerning data that has public health and indeed wider societal implications and impacts. It is also something that can be modified.
One of the longest scientific studies of human life, The Harvard Study of Adult Development, now in its 85th year, is an extraordinary scientific study of human wellbeing. It has followed three generations as they navigate life’s challenges, and it has highlighted the crucial importance of our relationships.
The Harvard study revealed a simple but terribly important truth: the stronger our relationships are, the happier and healthier our lives will be. This finding is replicated in several other longitudinal studies; they tell us again and again that human connection is essential to our wellbeing.
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