Chapter 03 of 5
The 80-Year Study
What one of the longest studies of adult life found matters most.
- 1938
A study begins
In 1938, researchers began following a group of Harvard students to understand what leads to a healthy, happy life.
- Two Groups
Harvard and Boston
The study was later combined with research on young men from some of Boston's poorest neighbourhoods.
- A Famous Name
A future president
John F. Kennedy was among the original Harvard participants.
17 more cards in this chapter
Could you answer this?
In the Harvard study, what at age 50 best predicted people's health at 80?
🌤️ The Science of Happiness
- 01The Hedonic TreadmillWhy new cars, pay rises and even lottery wins tend to wear off.
- 02Does Money Buy Happiness?A famous income limit — and how researchers overturned it together.
- 03The 80-Year StudyWhat one of the longest studies of adult life found matters most.
- 04Experiences vs ThingsWhere spending, and planning, actually bring joy.
- 05What Actually HelpsHappiness habits that hold up — and claims that don't.