A recent study shows that Albertans are happier when sharing their life with a special someone
Despite the economic downturn that has hit the province hard in the past few months, a recent study has revealed that many Albertans have remained in high spirits. The Angus Reid Institute in B.C published a report in January on Canadians’ overall happiness. They surveyed 150 Albertans and found those who were in relationships were happier than those not in relationships.
The study also found that the older generations are happier than the younger generations and Quebecers are the happiest residents out of all Canadians with 22% stating that they are “very happy.”
Calgary marriage counselor, Sig Taylor believes connected relationships are the key to happiness. “What people on their deathbed regret mostly is issues in relationships. They wish they were closer to family and friends.” Taylor says.
What does it take to stay connected to loved ones and be in a healthy relationship? Natalie and Robert are a Calgarian couple have been together for five-years, and the one thing that they found that strengthens their relationship is spending quality time together. Robert says, “We drive to work every day with each other, we spend every lunch with each other, and then we drive home. We spend most nights together, and it’s very few nights we have apart.”
Connectivity, love, and communication may be the elements that brighten a relationship. Why do so many want to know the recipe for happiness if there are a lot of people who consider themselves happy? According to Berkley University, people are curious to find out the meaning of life and by doing so happiness plays a major role.
It evidently isn’t just Canadians who are wondering what the key to happiness is and what it takes to have a fulfilling life. Researchers at Harvard University worked on finding the answer with a group of men and their partners in a 75-year study that is still underway. They found similar answers that paralleled Taylor’s findings. The Harvard researchers found that wealth and power are not a primary source of creating happiness. The three key ingredients to a happy, satisfied life are love, meaningful relationships and healthy connections according to Harvard’s findings.
btucker@cjournal.ca, criabko@cjournal.ca
The editor responsible for this story is Stefan Strangman, who can be reached at sstrangman@cjournal.ca