In 1938, Harvard researchers embarked on astudy that continues to this dayto find out: What makes us happy in life?
The researchers gathered health records from 724 people from all over the world, asking detailed questions about their lives at two-year intervals.
As participants entered mid- and late-life, the Harvard Study often asked about retirement. Based on their responses, the No. 1 challenge people faced in retirement was not being able to replace the social connections that had sustained them for so long at work.
Retirees don't miss working, they miss the people
When it comes to retirement, we often stress about things like financial concerns, health problems and caregiving.
But people who fare the best in retirement find ways to cultivate connections. And yet, almost no one talks about the importance of developing new sources of meaning and purpose.
One participant, when asked what he missed about being a doctor for nearly 50 years, answered: "Absolutely nothing about the work itself. I miss the people and the friendships."
Leo DeMarco, another participant, had a similar feeling: After he retired as a high school teacher, he found it hard to stay in touch with his colleagues.
"I get spiritual sustenance from talking shop. It's wonderful to help someone acquire skills," he said. "Teaching young people was what started my whole process of exploring."
Taking on hobbies might not be enough
For many of us, work is where we feel that we matter most — to our workmates, customers, communities, and even to our families — because we are providing for them.
Henry Keane was abruptly forced into retirement by changes at his factory. Suddenly he had an abundance of time and energy.
He started volunteering at the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He put time into his hobbies — refinishing furniture and cross-country skiing. But something was still missing.
"I need to work!" Keane told the researchers at age 65. "Nothing too substantial, but I'm learning that I just love being around people."
To retire happy, invest in your relationships now
Keane's realization teaches us an important lesson not only about retirement, but about work itself: We are often shrouded in financial concerns and the pressure of deadlines, so we don't notice how significant our work relationships are until they're gone.
Marloes De Vries for CNBC Make It
To create more meaningful connections, ask yourself:
- Who are the people I most enjoy working with, and what makes them valuable to me? Am I appreciating them?
- What kinds of connections am I missing that I want more of? How can I make them happen?
- Is there someone I'd like to know better? How can I reach out to them?
- If I'm having conflict with a coworker, what can I do to alleviate it?
- Who is different from me in some way (thinks differently, comes from a different background, has a different expertise)? What can I learn from them?
At the end of the day, notice how your experiences might affect your sense of meaning and purpose. It could be that this influence is, on balance, a good one. But if not, are there any small changes you can make?
"When I look back," Ellen Freund, a former university administrator, told the study in 2006, "I wish I paid more attention to the people and less to the problems. I loved my job. But I think I was a difficult and impatient boss. I guess, now that you mention it, I wish I got to know everyone a little better."
Every workday is an important part of our personal experience, and the more we enrich it with relationships, the more we benefit. Work, too, is life.
Robert Waldinger,MD, is a professor of psychiatry atHarvard Medical School, director of theHarvard Study of Adult Development, and director of Psychodynamic Therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is a practicing psychiatrist and also a Zen master and author of"The Good Life."Follow Robert on Twitter@robertwaldinger.
Marc Shulz, PhD, is the associate director of theHarvard Study of Adult Development, and a practicing therapist with postdoctoral training in health and clinical psychology atHarvard Medical School. He is also the author of"The Good Life."
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FAQs
1 retirement challenge that 'no one talks about' People who fare the best in retirement find ways to cultivate connections with others, according to Harvard's 85-year happiness study.
What is the 85-year study at Harvard? ›
Harvard's 85-year study finds happiness is all about relationships | World Economic Forum. The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the world's longest-running happiness study. It launched in 1938, following 724 men from teenagehood to old age. Later, the study incorporated their spouses and 1,300 of their descendants ...
What were the results of the Harvard happiness Study? ›
Contrary to what you might think, it's not career achievement, money, exercise, or a healthy diet. The most consistent finding we've learned through 85 years of study is: Positive relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer. Period.
What do retirees miss the most? ›
Missing Work
Some people miss the routine. Others miss colleagues. And, many people genuinely enjoyed their work more than the relative retirement boredom.
What is the number one mistake retirees make? ›
Among the biggest mistakes retirees make is not adjusting their expenses to their new budget in retirement. Those who have worked for many years need to realize that dining out, clothing and entertainment expenses should be reduced because they are no longer earning the same amount of money as they were while working.
What is the 3 rule in retirement? ›
A 3 percent withdrawal rate works better with larger portfolios. For instance, using the above numbers, a 3 percent rule would mean withdrawing just $22,500 per year. In this case, you may need additional income, such as Social Security, to supplement your retirement.
How much money do you get for 4 years at Harvard? ›
The Harvard costs for a four-year degree, including books, tuition, and all other expenses, would be approximately $334,152 based on the 2022-23 school year.
What GPA do you need to get into Harvard? ›
In truth, you need close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA to get into Harvard. That means nearly straight As in every class while also taking the highest rigor classes available at your high school.
How much does Harvard cost for low income families? ›
If your family's income is less than $85,000, you'll pay nothing. For families who earn between $85,000 and $150,000, the expected contribution is between zero and ten percent of your annual income. Families who earn more than $150,000 may still qualify for financial aid.
What is the strongest predictor of longevity? ›
Parental longevity is one of the most important predictors of survival to age 100 for both men and women.
Good relationships. [I]f we had to take all 84 years of the Harvard Study and boil it into a single principle for living, one life investment that is supported by similar findings across a wide variety of other studies, it would be this: Good relationships keep us healthier and happier.
What is the biggest predictor of happiness? ›
Waldinger and his research team were amazed to discover that individuals who had the strongest bonds with others tended to lead happier, healthier, and longer lives as they aged. In turn, having good relationships was the most important factor in predicting who would enjoy a fulfilled and healthy life in old age.
What is the #1 regret of retirees? ›
1. Not saving more. The biggest regret by far for older Americans was not saving more. Over half (52%) of Hurwitz's and Mitchell's survey respondents expressed this regret.
What is the 4 rule for retirees? ›
The 4% rule says people should withdraw 4% of their retirement funds in the first year after retiring and take that dollar amount, adjusted for inflation, every year after. The rule seeks to establish a steady and safe income stream that will meet a retiree's current and future financial needs.
What do rich retired people do all day? ›
Happy retirees often engage in intellectual activities such as reading, learning new skills, or delving into creative ventures like painting or writing. They also prioritize physical wellness through consistent exercise, whether it's walking, yoga, or even team sports like Pickleball.
What is the biggest challenge of retirement? ›
Longevity risk
One of the biggest fears in retirement is that you'll outlive your money. It's such a prevalent concern that Conte says some retirees go too far to deprive themselves.
What is the number one concern for retirees today? ›
The results come as inflation is still higher than usual and rising prices have made it more challenging for retirees to make their money last. The top concern, cited by 89% of respondents, is inflation lessening the value of their assets.
What is the biggest retirement regret among seniors? ›
Some of the biggest retirement regrets include: A vague financial plan. No retirement goals. Counting on long-term employment.
How many people regret not saving for retirement? ›
The study found that 57% of participants regretted not saving more, 40% regretted not buying Long Term Care (LTC) insurance, 23% regretted that they did not delay claiming social security benefits, 33% regretted not having purchased lifetime income payments, 10% expressed regret for having to depend financially on ...
