items of interest

with contributions from Dana Mack

In an article for Harvard Magazine, Craig Lambert reports on the Grant Study. It tracked 268 Harvard graduates from the classes of 1941 through 1944, as part of a lifelong study of adult development, including aging.

One of the key elements to long life with good health, researchers found, was "emotional intelligence," the ability to connect with other people.

George E. Vaillant, who has headed the study for over 30 years, says, "What's critical [in living longer] is allowing yourself to love others, and being able to take people in—as in, 'I've got you under my skin.' When someone gives you a compliment, do you cross the street, or do you feel genuinely good about yourself? In a personal encounter, do you come away feeling resentment or gratitude? A simple lesson from the Grant Study is to worry less about cholesterol and more about gratitude and forgiveness."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Escape from an abusive marriage