Immaculata De Vivo (Harvard Medical School and T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
First-Year Seminar 66I (Fall Term) Enrollment: Limited to 12
Tuesday, 3-5 CANVAS SITE
Did you know that kindness is good for your health? Did you know that happiness is contagious? Did you know that music lowers your cortisol levels? The science is in! This seminar will examine how the biology of prosocial behaviors shows how kindness and optimism improve overall well-being in profound and demonstrable ways. We will delve into a revolutionary approach to health, longevity, and quality of life and explain the scientific evidence that supports this work. The class will investigate five fundamental values of prosocial behaviors — kindness, optimism, forgiveness, gratitude, and happiness — and collectively engage in six essential strategies for cultivating these values—relationships, nutrition, physical activity, meditation, music, and nature. Along the way we will read the scientific data that reveals the impact such behavior has on biology, particularly on telomeres, the parts of DNA that serve as biomarkers of aging. While DNA is mostly immutable, telomeres are influenced by our choices. This seminar will discuss evidence that what is commonly ascribed to “spiritual” well-being has a clear and direct impact on physical health, helping to buffer premature aging and decrease the incidence of chronic disease.