The happiest and healthiest people are those who have warm connections with others, says psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, who leads the Harvard Study of Adult Development -- one of the longest-running studies of adult life ever conducted. Exploring the crucial link between social bonds and quality of life, he shares wisdom and insights into how to identify and strengthen the relationships that impact your well-being most. When it comes to the people in your inner circle, "Turn toward the voices that make you feel more open and more inclusive," he says. (This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member.)

Robert Waldinger: The secret to a happy life — lessons from 8 decades of research

The secret to a happy life — lessons from 8 decades of research

Stress is inevitable, but strong connections serve as regulators, enhancing well-being by calming the 'fight or flight' response.

Investing in 'social fitness' by nurturing relationships can significantly impact happiness and longevity, study suggests.

Warm relationships buffer against life's stresses, enhancing health and prolonging life, as evidenced by an 80-year study.

*The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness*

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