What contributes to a long and quality life? The Harvard University study on adult development that has been conducted for 85 years has found that personal relationships are the most important factor in long term health and happiness. This conclusion was drawn from tracking the lives of an original group of 724 people and more than 1300 of their descendants over three generations. The study found that the people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest both mentally and physically at age 80. Spending time with others was linked to happiness, and having a satisfying relationship had a protective effect against the ups and downs of moods, including physical pain and health challenges. The study highlights the importance of being intentional about relationships, as we are social beings and need community to thrive. Investing time and energy in relationships today is a vital investment for the future.