The Happiest and Longest-Living People Have These Things in Common

A recently published piece by longevity researcher Dan Buettner outlines the culmination of 20 years of research into what the longest-living and happiest people all have in common.

In his piece, Buettner lists 15 things he discovered from Dan Witters, the Research Director of the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index since 2008. According to Witters, true happiness doesn’t come from just one thing, but a series of connected things.

These 15 statements involve basic things that many people know they should be doing but often aren’t able to implement in their daily lives. They include things like not smoking, eating healthy, managing your finances, going to the dentist, and exercising at least three days a week.

Number one on the list of statements is: “You manage your finances well and live within your means. You have enough money to do everything you want to do.” (via CNBC)

“You set and reach goals on an ongoing basis.” Do you agree with this statement? If you do, then you might be happier than most people. 

Another statement long-living happy people tend to agree with is: “You can always make time for trips or vacations with family and friends.” People in the United States are typically pretty bad on this one. 

Do you sometimes feel you aren’t putting your best efforts into work, life, or leisure? This might be less of an issue of motivation and more of an issue of not properly applying your strengths. 

Several more of Buettner and Witters 15 “cowbell” metrics involve having someone in your life and a community who encourages you. Feeling safe in your environment is a huge driver for happiness and success.

Another critical tip from these cowbell metrics is “to learn something new or interesting every day.” (via CNBC) People can be slaves to a comfortable routine, but this routine can often be a trap that keeps us from exploring new possibilities. 

One statement deals with the amount of fruit and vegetables that someone eats. According to the piece, people who eat five servings of fruits and vegetables at least four days a week are on their way to being the happiest individuals. 

Statement 14 says: “You exercise at least 30 minutes a day at least three days a week.” Research shows that someone with an active lifestyle will have better health outcomes in the long run.

The last cowbell metric statement might be one of the most important ones since it can fuel all of your actions. Statement 15 says: “You are active and productive every day.”