The Roots of Happiness

Psychiatrist George Vaillant has spent his career chronicaling the lives of a group of Harvard men. By doing so, he has sought to identify the roots of happiness. He has discovered that the following factors play a role in those men who have led the most rewarding lives: 1) using mature defenses (like humor and altruism); 2) education; 3) stable marriage; 4) not smoking; 5) not abusing alcohol; 6) some exercise; and 7) healthy weight. Nevertheless, those whom may have appeared the healthiest as young men did not always remain that way. Another key finding is the power of relationships that allows for successful aging.

See the article in The Atlantic.