The Undeniable Link Between Having Purpose & Aging Well

Theres no shortage of reasons why older adults have a difficult time maintaining a strong connection to their inner purpose.With career goals set squarely in the rearview mirror and an empty nest on the road ahead, its no surprise that many seniors begin to lose some sense of purpose in their day-to-day lives.Butresearchhas shown that seniors with a sense of purpose are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, disabilities, heart attacks, and strokes, and are more likely to live longer than people without this kind of underlying motivation.According toa study conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, theres a data-driven link between having a sense of meaning and supporting positive physical, mental and cognitive functioning.

And there are other studies that make similar correlations.Its a major topic of interest for seniors who may feel theyve lost some sense of purpose in life and wonder what that means for their health, well-being, and longevity.Lets take a closer look.Stats on Sense of Purpose for SeniorsAstudy of 1,475 older adultswith a median age of 77 years showed that participants who scored higher on sense of purpose reported lower levels of functional disability, performed better on cognitive tests (episodic memory and speed of processing), and reported better self-rated health and fewer depressive symptoms.Asample study of 7,304 men and women aged 50 and olderindicated that higher ratings on ones sense of living a worthwhile and meaningful life were associated with:Stronger personal relationships (marriage/partnership, contact with friends)Broader social engagement (involvement in civic society, cultural activity, volunteering)Less lonelinessGreater prosperity (wealth, income)Better mental and physical health (self-rated health, depressive symptoms, chronic disease)Less chronic painLess disabilityGreater upper body strengthFaster walkingLess obesity and central adiposityMore favorable biomarker profiles (C-reactive protein, plasma fibrinogen, white blood cell count, vitamin D, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)Healthier lifestyles (physical activity, fruit, and vegetable consumption, sleep quality, not smoking)More time spent in social activities and exerciseLess time spent alone or watching televisionAstudy sampledrawn from almost 7,000 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants who were older than 50 years revealed that a stronger purpose in life was associated with decreased mortality.Pinpointing Ones Purpose in Later YearsWith a good deal of research and study pointing to the overall health and well-being benefits correlated to having a sense of purpose in ones later years, some seniors may find themselves seeking out ways to cultivate their own.

A recentPsychology Todayarticle breaks down nine specific pathways to finding ones purpose at any age, but especially for older adults.It makes the important statement that a sense of purpose doesnt have to be stagnant, and you don't have to choose just one path.You may even be drawn to each one in turn.Some older adults are able to continue the paid work they love to do, while others use retirement as an opportunity to try out a second career.Still, others find employment where they can because earning an income is either necessary or a source of independence and pride.

Many older adults find meaning in unpaid work such as volunteer work, personal projects, or home improvement.Finding meaning in the love of another person is an inspiring motivator, and many older people find meaning in relationships with spouses, friends, children, and grandchildren or in taking care of beloved others.Compassion and concern for others may protect against feelings of meaninglessness.Even making brief connections with relative strangersacknowledging their presence, wishing them a good day, giving a complimentcan be a source of both meaning and happiness.Listening to someone with an open mind, reaching out to someone who may be lonely, or sending a card can provide good cheer to someone who is down in the dumps.Just learning to appreciate small pleasures is a habit worth cultivating.

Noticing a bird or plant outside your window, having a warming cup of coffee, exchanging hugsthese tiny moments when noticed and absorbed provide a source of satisfaction to both body and brain.You wont be able to accomplish much if you lack energy and strength.And just staying strong to perform the normal activities of daily living is an accomplishment in itself, because it means that you can still be independent.Take walks, go to the gym, get a personal trainer, eat right.Creative activities, humor, and play of all sorts can provide a sense of purpose for many people.

Hobbies, sports, and experiences such as art, travel, music, nature, reading, and culture can touch us deeply and enlarge our capacity for empathy.They may also reduce symptoms of chronic pain and worry by making life more enjoyable.Expressing your identity through art is a way to be happy, a way to affirm who you are, and a way to find purpose.Making a contribution to your society is a wonderful way to find a purpose greater than yourself.

There is an infinite number of ways to do this.Some people take up a social justice cause that is meaningful to them, while others find a unique niche.This is not just about ensuring the smooth passage of your assets to your children or other heirs but also contributing to your family or to the world in many of the ways listed above.Its about asking, "What kind of gifts do I want to leave to the world?"Meeting the challenges of aging with acceptance and courage might become a mission in itself.

Enduring suffering could actually provide purpose in life, and meaning is possible in spite of it.Understanding Where Purpose Plays Out BestThe truth is that seniors who find themselves isolated from the people and sense of purpose that once fueled them are prone to declines in physical, mental, and emotional health.Often, its because theyre lacking adequate opportunities for human connection, as they struggle to stay social, active, and fulfilled.For lots of older adults, a senior living community is a very thing that gives them back the connection and sense of purpose they need to thrive.Its the support system they need to live more independently and seek out the passion and purpose they crave for aging well.