05 Mar Governments and happiness!
It is a simple question, but it may just reveal whether or not you will live to a ripe old age: does somebody love you?
Those who can confidently answer ‘yes’ are significantly more likely to be alive for the next 10 years than those who feel all alone. For love is a more accurate factor than smoking in predicting life expectancy, according to David Halpern, a senior policy adviser in the Downing Street strategy unit.
His work on the science of happiness is increasingly influencing government. He says adored people are happy people, and the happier they are, the longer and more productive lives they lead.