The Secret To Health And Happiness

A 75-year-long Harvard study has defined the ingredients of a good life. The researchers have finally found what makes us live healthy and happy – good relationships, nothing less!

This TED Talk by Robert Waldinger opens up with an ambitious and one of the longest lasting research projects ever undertaken.

https://youtu.be/8KkKuTCFvzI

This study revealed that this close, human connection was the most defining factor of a long, healthy life. Loneliness, on the other hand, was identified as the worst possible factor in our lives.

When we talk about charity, we also talk about giving, kindness, sharing, inclusion and connection.

These types of studies are very important not only for individuals to learn to cherish the “right” things in life, but to guide our efforts as a society to structures and services having the greatest impact to our wellbeing. This should interest us purely from an ethical point of view, but also because of the potential to save vast amounts of money and resources spent on physical and mental health.

There are a variety of causes and charities that could help promoting human connection, and healthy and happy lives. One might consider supporting community halls and meeting places, marriage counselling charities, or even supporting lobbying for more social skills education.

When it comes to choosing a cause, charity and activities you wish to support, these kinds of extensive research projects might help you to find a new perspective and proof of what really matters when trying to make a difference.

To some donors financing long term research might seem pointless, as more urgent causes or activities seem a priority. However, if a research project helps us allocating resources to the most impactful activities for decades to come, funding research charities, universities and researchers’ coalitions starts making a lot more sense.

Wishing you lots of happiness and a long life!

This blog originally appeared in www.whatcharity.com.

Tiia Sammallahti is founder and CEO of whatCharity.com  - a social impact charity tech company who believes doing good shouldn’t be complicated.

Bridging the gap between charities and vital resources they need from both the public and companies whatCharity.com aims to change the dynamics of the charity sector. As LinkedIn changed recruitment, comparison sites changed insurance and Google changed how we access the world’s information, whatCharity.com enables charities, companies and individuals to create trustworthy connections and provides a brokerage platform for time, skills, money, goods and services

whatCharity.com has recently launched its cost-effective company solution which simplifies and revitalises the way companies and their teams work with charities. By creating a real-time marketplace, the platform also empowers and engages employees more effectively when taking part in charitable causes.