Meet Your Neighbors update: March 12 talk explores an 82-year Harvard study of adult development

The talk scheduled for March 12th has been postponed to avoid a gathering that might put anyone at risk of coronavirus.

A quarter century ago, David Cohen discovered a Harvard study that began in 1938 and continues to follow its participants and their descendants to this day.

“With my lifelong interest in how people shape their lives, and have their lives shaped by the circumstances they face, I found a study that followed its participants from age 19 through the rest of their lives irresistible,” Cohen told us in 2018.

Cohen, a Forest Hills neighbor, photographer and Northwest Neighbors Village volunteer, is writing a book about the Harvard Study of Adult Development (working title: A Life You Want). And he says: “Here’s a chance for an update. On March 12 at 7 p.m., at the Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Ave NW, I’ll be talking about the project and the Harvard Study of Adult Development.

“Northwest Neighbors Village asked if I would join its presentation for the Chevy Chase Citizens Association (CCCA). I’m honored to do so. Here’s the announcement from the CCCA newsletter:”

Northwest Neighbors Village – March 12

On March 12 at 7 p.m., join Northwest Neighbors Village volunteer David Cohen as he explores the Harvard Study of Adult Development. The study began in 1938 with 268 healthy college sophomores. It followed them through their lives. Under only its fourth director, it continues today with their descendants. What does the study tell us about health, longevity, life satisfaction, and our roles for our families? David Cohen is working on a book that draws on the study and his interview with its director. He posts findings and updates from his project on Facebook at Toward A Life You Want.

It’s hard to believe but Northwest Neighbors Village (NNV) is now into its second decade. Just a few years earlier, neighbors in Boston’s Beacon Hill decided that neighbors helping neighbors made a lot of sense and and launched the “village movement.” It’s amazing how rapidly the movement has grown in the D.C.area, with villages now in northern Virginia, Maryland and D.C. There are nearly a dozen villages in the District.

NNV grew out of an initial organizing meeting in Chevy Chase. These founders quickly partnered with neighbors in Forest Hills, Tenleytown, and AU Park to form Northwest Neighbors Village. Today, more than 100 volunteers help neighbors age in the community by providing assistance with transportation and all those small projects that seem to grow a little more daunting as we age. Staying connected to the community is essential as we age and is critical focus of NNV. Members connect over weekly yoga, walks, coffees, book clubs (we have three), concerts, and a variety of programs including the annual program we do in partnership with CCCA.

Thinking about volunteering? Our next volunteer orientation is March 13. If you are interested, message [email protected] or call (202) 777-3435 and join us!