I read the research that describes the seven conditions of those living long, satisfying lives.

They are:

• Don’t smoke.
• Best not to drink, but if you do, not excessively.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Regular exercise.
• Have an adaptive lifestyle which means keeping patient and steadfast whatever comes.  Bad times don’t last.
• Education always contributes.  People who are curious and are constantly learning do well.
• Having good long-term relationships/friendships.  A long marriage, as well as having other friends, helps.

Here’s another insight.  The factor of having relationships and friendships matters more than the rest altogether.

To live a good life, you should be developing a “circle” that you can rely on, and be in the circle of others who rely on you.

5 things you should demand of your circle:

• Inspire you – people in your circle make a difference in the world and inspire you to do the same.
• Energize you – people in your circle bring energy to you.  Right words.  Good practices.  You get more done because of them.
• Lift you up when you’re down – people in your circle know you and your temperament.  They see you in a way others don’t.  You trust them.  Have confidence in them. They have the right words and can prescribe the right things to get you moving.
• Tell you the truth – people in your circle tell you what you need to hear.  And you believe them.
• Celebrate your wins – people in your circle rejoice with you.  They cherish your wins in ways only a close teammate can.