The #1 key to happiness and living longer | Marc Schulz, PhD

Episode #304. Your friends, family, and partner are helping you live longer. Why? And how?

Discover the true importance of relationships in this conversation with clinical psychologist and scientist Professor Marc Schulz.

In this episode, you’ll learn about how and why relationships are one of the key factors for health and longevity. Professor Schulz breaks down the key results from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a study that has been running since 1938, and how you can apply these findings to your life. We cover topics including social fitness, income disparity and longevity, how relationships are formed, the importance of intimacy and vulnerability, and how to improve your health by interacting with strangers.

Specifically, we discuss:

• Intro (00:00)
• Background of Marc Schulz (00:50)
• The Significance of Qualitative Research in Psychology (04:50)
• Introduction to the Harvard Study of Adult Development: A Groundbreaking Inquiry into Human Flourishing (11:30)
• How do You Know if You're Flourishing in Life? (18:56)
• Key Findings of the Harvard Study of Adult Development (24:19)
• How Relationships Are Connected with Happiness and Longevity (30:51)
• Are Good Relationships Linked to Longer Life? (40:15)
• Importance of Communication and Cultivating Relationships (51:40)
• Impact of Major Transitions to Social Relationships (1:02:13)
• Engaging in Social Activities to Improve Social Fitness (1:08:25)
• How Happiness Has Changed with Technology (1:19:13)
• Maintaining Connections with Family (1:26:42)
• Engaging with Strangers: Tips for Starting Conversations (1:30:08)
• Addressing the Childhood Phrase "Stranger Danger" (1:38:59)
• Defining Relationships in Different Stages of Life (1:41:29)
• Growth in Relationship with Oneself vs. Social Relationships (1:52:35)
• Looking at Human Flourishing at a National Level (1:57:20)
• Takeaways: Future of Harvard Study of Adult Development (2:03:10)
• Outro (2:06:51)

Discover more of Professor Marc Schulz’s work at https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/people/marc-schulz.

Sponsors:

If you want to improve your health, you need to measure where you’re currently at. InsideTracker analyses up to 48 blood biomarkers including ApoB, LDL, HDL, A1C, and more before giving you advice to optimise your health. Get a 20% discount on your first order at insidetracker.com/simon.

Stay hydrated with LMNT - a meaningful dose of electrolytes in a science-backed ratio. Receive a free LMNT sample pack with any order when you purchase via drinklmnt.com/simon.

Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Head to Eimele.com and use code SIMON at checkout for 10% off your first order.

Consider 38TERA's DMN-01 prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.

Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon.

Want to support the show?

The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.

Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill

Author of The Proof is in the Plants

Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify

Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Nourish your gut with my