Residents of Holbrook have been actively participating in the city’s Happy Holbrook Month and there is one more opportunity to participate before the month closes: nominate the happiest person, business and classroom.
“We here at the city are hoping to bring attention to the benefits of being happy citizens, and show that the overall mental health of a community improves by being positive and optimistic,” stated Kathleen Smith, the city’s community events director.
Smith knows what she’s talking about. What is likely the longest study on adult development is being conducted by Harvard University and it shows that happiness is the key to a longer, happier life. The Study on Adult Development began in 1938 with 724 men and for the past 75 years, these men were asked about their work, home life and health. Today, about 60 of the men, who are now in their 90s, are still participating in the study.
Every two years these men, who were selected from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances, are contacted by researchers and interviewed, their blood drawn and medical exams given, including brain scans. Researchers also speak to their children and wives.
The clearest results of the study are that good relationships keep people healthier and happier. The first finding was that regardless of professional success, the men who had social connections had the happiest and healthiest lives. It showed that unwanted loneliness affects not only physical health, but also mental health, as those who had led lonely lives had diminished memories later in life and led shorter lives.
The study also showed that it wasn’t the number of friends or relationships, but the quality of them. Men who were securely attached to positive emotional relationships in their 80s had a sharper mental state and their physical pain was more manageable.
With such apparent outcomes, residents are encouraged to not only take part in Happy Holbrook Month, but to go beyond the month of April to create a healthy community of happy citizens.
To nominate Holbrook’s happiest, submit a photo, poem or anything you think will demonstrate that your nomination is the happiest in town.
The deadline is noon on Monday, May 2. Nomination forms can be found and submissions made at the city offices, located at 465 First Ave. For more information, contact Kathleen Smith by phone at 524-6227 or by email at kathleens@ci.holbrook.az.us. Winners will receive a framed certificate from the city, and their photo will be published in The Tribune-News print edition and posted online.
