How Purpose Impacts Longevity

How Purpose Impacts Longevity

Why Knowing Your "Why" May Help You Live Longer

Healthy aging isn’t just about what you eat or how often you exercise. It’s also about something deeper—your sense of purpose. More and more research is confirming what many cultures have known for centuries: people who feel purposeful tend to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Whether it’s through work, volunteering, caregiving, or creative pursuits, having a reason to get out of bed in the morning can be just as protective as managing blood pressure or quitting smoking.

The Science Behind Purpose and Aging

A landmark study published in JAMA Network Open found that adults with a strong sense of purpose had significantly lower rates of:

• Cardiovascular events

• Sleep disorders

• Cognitive decline

• Depression

• Early mortality

This protective effect held independent of income, health status, or education. In other words: Purpose is a powerful health metric all on its own.

What Does “Purpose” Mean?

Purpose doesn’t have to be grand. It could mean:

• Being a mentor or role model for younger generations

• Volunteering in your community

• Starting a garden or writing a memoir

• Caring for a pet or loved one

• Continuing a passion project, faith practice, or lifelong hobby

Even small daily acts, when rooted in meaning, can anchor your identity and support emotional and physical well-being.

Reflect and Reconnect

Ask yourself:

• What makes me feel useful?

• Who or what do I love showing up for?

• How can I give back, even in small ways?

If the answers aren’t clear yet, that’s okay. Exploring them is part of healthy aging too.

This Healthy Aging Month, rediscover your "why." Whether you're 55 or 85, it’s never too late to reconnect with meaning. Need support? We are here to help.