One of the longest studies carried out by Harvard University reveals that the #1 predictor of long-term happiness isn’t wealth, diet, or genetics. It’s community. Close relationships and social connections become increasingly important for our well being as we age. 

Began in 1938 researchers tracked the lives of 700 people as part of this 80+ year study. The project, which is ongoing, follows participants from adolescence into old age, collecting data on their physical and mental health, jobs, relationships, and more. It was close relationships and social connections that came out on top, becoming increasingly important for our health and well-being as we age. The study surmised that supporting and nurturing relationships are stress regulators, acting as a buffer against the life stresses we face as we get older.

For those working in Community Transport we can strongly attest to the power of community to heal and help. Everyday thousands of people benefit from local community transport, often heavily subsidised (making it accessible to everyone) and delivered by caring, compassionate people. This is a heartening space to work in, and helps us remember what the point of it all is – to care and to be kind to ourselves and others.

Community – the ultimate medicine for the body and brain!