Application Paper 5: What Makes A Good Life Lessons From A L

Application Paper 5 What Makes A Good Life Lessons From A Longevi

Application Paper #5 - What Makes a Good Life - Lessons from a longevity study on happiness. Complete Application #5- What Makes Good Life - Lessons from a longevity study on happiness. Due by 11:55 PM on Friday -11.30.2018, Please watch the Robert Waldinger Ted Talk on What Makes a Good Life and answer the four enclosed questions from this talk: 1. What factors made this 75 year and counting study work? 2. What are the 3 major lessons from this longevity study? 3. Which of these lessons do you model or plan to model? 4. How do you/will you model these lessons and how will you continue these lessons throughout life?

Paper For Above instruction

The Ted Talk by Dr. Robert Waldinger, titled "What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness," offers profound insights into the elements that contribute to a fulfilling and happy life. Drawing from a 75-year longitudinal Harvard Study of Adult Development, Waldinger elucidates the key factors that foster well-being, emphasizing the importance of relationships, meaningful engagement, and emotional health.

First, the factors that made this study successful include its longitudinal design, which tracked participants over an extensive period, allowing researchers to observe long-term patterns and outcomes. The commitment to continuous data collection, including interviews, questionnaires, and assessments, provided a comprehensive understanding of the participants' lives. Furthermore, the study's focus was holistic, considering various aspects of life such as physical health, mental health, community, and relationships. The diversity of the sample population and the dedicated, consistent effort of the research team also contributed to the robustness and reliability of the findings.

Among the major lessons derived from this longevity study are three critical insights. First, good relationships are the cornerstone of a happy and healthy life. Waldinger emphasizes that social connections—not just having many friends, but deep, meaningful relationships—are vital for emotional resilience and overall well-being. Second, the quality of relationships matters more than the quantity; positive interactions foster trust, intimacy, and support. Third, taking care of one's mental and emotional health is essential, including managing stress, avoiding loneliness, and cultivating happiness within social bonds.

Personally, I aim to model these lessons by prioritizing my relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Recognizing the importance of genuine connection, I plan to invest time and effort into building trust and intimacy in my interactions. I also intend to engage in activities that promote emotional well-being, such as mindfulness and stress management techniques, to foster resilience and happiness. Throughout life, I will continue to nurture relationships and focus on the quality of these connections, understanding that they are integral to long-term happiness and health.

Furthermore, I plan to adopt a proactive attitude toward emotional health by seeking support when needed and maintaining a balanced approach to social interactions. Keeping these lessons in mind, I believe that cultivating strong, healthy relationships and attending to my emotional needs will contribute not only to my happiness but also to a meaningful, sustained life experience. These lessons serve as a guiding framework for lifelong well-being, reinforcing the importance of community, connection, and emotional vitality.

References

  • Walsh, F. (2016). Strengthening family resilience. Guilford Publications.
  • Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLOS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
  • Umberson, D., & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social relationships and health: A flashpoint for health policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(1_suppl), S54–S66.
  • Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. H. (2008). Know thyself and become what you are: A eudaimonic approach to human flourishing. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 13–39.
  • Seppälä, E. (2016). The happiness track. HarperOne.
  • Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: A theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218–227.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Self-determination theory: A macrotheory of human motivation, development, and health. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 49(3), 182–185.
  • Fredrickson, B. L. (2009). Positivity: Groundbreaking research reveals how to succeed in life and work. Crown Publishing Group.
  • Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon and Schuster.
  • Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.

Related Assignments