Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development Cover
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Aging Well Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development

George E. Vaillant MD

In an unprecedented series of studies, Harvard Medical School has followed 824 subjects -- men and women, some rich, some poor -- from their teens to old age. Harvard's George Vaillant now uses these studies -- the most complete ever done anywhere in the world -- and the subjects' individual histori...

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No Stupid Questions

It was discussed as a book about aging well, and included factors like relationships, coping styles, and education as important aspects for a positive aging experience.

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I do know a little bit about the work of the psychologist George Valiant. I'm sure you know much more. I love George. So George wrote about aging well. That was the name of the book.

— Episode: What’s So Great About Retirement? (Ep. 8...

Episode: What’s So Great About Retirement? (Ep. 87 Replay)

It was discussed as a book about aging well, and included factors like relationships, coping styles, and education as important aspects for a positive aging experience.

"

I do know a little bit about the work of the psychologist George Valiant. I'm sure you know much more. I love George. So George wrote about aging well. That was the name of the book.

So when I read that list of George Valien's seven factors that do predict positive aging, it makes me think that the question of retirement or aging generally for Pat or you or me is really nothing more than a continuation of everything that we talk about on this show about how every decision we make, every behavior we take up is a trade-off to some degree.

Here's what he says are seven factors that do predict positive aging, not being a smoker or having stopped smoking young, adaptive coping style, mature defenses, absence of alcohol abuse, healthy weight.

And especially the decisions and behaviors you've been making all along. I do know a little bit about the work of the psychologist George Valiant.

But then here we go, stable marriage, as you referred to, exercise, and years of education.

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