How are people smart?
My name is Robert Fox. I am almost 80 and I’m still going strong teaching fitness at the local Cambridge YMCA.
I was an elementary school educator for over 30 years.
Not only did I have my teacher’s diploma but I also have specialist certificates in creative drama, library science, and computers in the classroom.
I felt I was “armed” and ready to face the “children of tomorrow”.
I often thought of “intelligence” as being book smart and/or number smart. As a child, I was told that if I didn’t “pass” reading, writing, and arithmetic, I was a failure!
It wasn’t long after I started my teaching career that I came across Howard Gardner.
As a Harvard professor, he believed that human intelligence was much broader than what most people thought.
My world was about to change in a major way forever!!!!
Psychologist Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences shows that people can be gifted in many ways—logical reasoning, creativity, social connection, physical coordination, self-awareness, and more.
After many years of research and study, Howard Gardner identified 9 ways people could be smart and he was going to change our education systems for the betterment of mankind.
When you look at intelligence through this wider lens, it becomes clear why people who develop and use multiple intelligences may actually live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
1. They Handle Stress Better
People with strong intrapersonal intelligence (self-awareness) and interpersonal intelligence (understanding others) are often better at managing stress.
Stress is one of the biggest drivers of aging-related diseases, including heart problems and weakened immunity.
- Someone with intrapersonal skills may use meditation, journaling, or self-reflection to calm themselves.
- Someone with interpersonal skills may lean on social support, share burdens, and keep strong friendships.
Less stress = longer life.
2. They Stay Physically Active
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence—the ability to control movement and coordinate the body—often translates into an active lifestyle.
People who dance, play sports, or simply enjoy moving tend to keep their muscles, joints, and balance strong well into old age.
- Exercise improves heart health, brain function, and mobility.
- Staying active prevents falls, one of the biggest risks for seniors.
3. They Keep Their Brains Young
Logical-mathematical intelligence (problem solving) and linguistic intelligence (language skills) keep the brain sharp.
People who puzzle, write, read, or play strategy games are constantly challenging their minds.
This builds cognitive reserve, which can delay or even prevent conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
4. They Connect with Others
Humans are wired for community. Those with strong interpersonal intelligence tend to build deeper friendships, maintain strong families, and create supportive social networks.
Countless studies show that people with close social ties live significantly longer than those who are isolated.
5. They Find Meaning and Resilience
Existential and naturalistic intelligences—the ability to reflect on life’s big questions and connect with nature—help people find meaning, gratitude, and peace.
A sense of purpose has been linked to longevity in cultures around the world.
Whether it’s gardening, spirituality, or contributing to a community, meaning fuels resilience and hope.
6. They Adapt to Change
Life throws challenges—illness, loss, setbacks. Those who can draw on multiple intelligences are flexible. For example:
- A person with musical intelligence might use music to heal from grief.
- A person with linguistic intelligence may express feelings through storytelling.
- A person with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence may recover faster because they’re in tune with their body.
Adaptability increases survival.
Final Thoughts
Living longer isn’t about being a genius in one area. It’s about cultivating balance across many intelligences.
The more ways you can connect with yourself, others, your body, your mind, and the world around you, the more resources you’ll have to handle stress, stay active, and find purpose.
To be efficient at solving the problems of the world, we will probably need the help of others with better developed intelligences than ours.
Check them out here …
Humans are social beings so let’s stay open minded and work with all the intelligences we can get.
In short: multiple intelligences create multiple pathways to a longer, healthier life.
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