People need people. That’s true in all types of situations. And the evidence is that when it comes to brain health, we do need people—social connections.
I was once dragged along on a week-long community service trip called STORM Co—meaning Service To Others Really Matters. It was organised by my wife for a group of 20 or so local high school students. It wasn’t that I was opposed to the idea of community service, but I say ‘dragged along’ because my […]
A survey and report by the Harris Poll organisation shows that Americans are envious of friends who put on social media pictures of lavish vacations and purchases. They admit that they do the same thing, but that doesn’t take away the envy.
‘Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.’ That’s what Robert Waldinger, the head of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, says their research has discovered.
When researchers study the top 10% of happy people, the single most important factor that emerges is that these very happy people have good social relationships.
The goal in life should be to flourish. That’s what psychologist and founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, says. In 2016, the Australian Psychological Society reported on an Australian Wellbeing Survey that used his five pillars underpinning the ‘flourishing life’ to comment on wellbeing.
There’s no question that friends are important. Friends are even more important in retirement because it’s easier to become isolated and lonely. Staying connected now can help you prepare for then.
I’m a grandparent and the scary thing is that I have two adult grandchildren. Where did the time go? Twin boys; they’re about to turn 20. Proud? Absolutely. But I will spare you the photos and most of the stories. However, I’ve learned a lot from my adult grandchildren.
Is the pursuit of happiness a good goal? Well-known Australian social researcher Hugh Mackay says, No! Happiness is a somewhat shallow goal and mostly unworkable. Wholeness is the thing to aim for.
One of the issues some retirees face is a lack of social contact when they retire. That’s why it’s good to get socially involved before retirement so you have connections in place.