Developing Your Sense of Purpose

Having a sense of purpose isn’t just feel-good philosophy. Research consistently shows that older adults with a strong sense of purpose live longer and report higher levels of life satisfaction.

A recent study even suggested that a sense of purpose could help prevent cognitive decline. Researchers from the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences followed more than 13,000 adults aged 45 and older for 15 years. They found that those who reported a higher sense of purpose were 28% less likely to develop cognitive decline.

“Our findings show that having a sense of purpose helps the brain stay resilient with age,” said study author Aliza Wingo. “Even for people with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, sense of purpose was linked to a later onset and lower likelihood of developing dementia.”

Purpose gives you a reason to get up in the morning, keeps your mind engaged, and connects you to something larger than yourself. When you have purpose, you’re more likely to take care of your health, maintain social connections, and stay mentally active. Think of purpose as essential nutrition for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

5 ways to find your purpose:

1. Rekindle old passions or explore new ones. Revisit hobbies you loved before life got busy, or try something completely new such as learning a language, taking up photography, or joining a choir.
2. Share your knowledge and experience. You’ve accumulated decades of skills and wisdom. Mentor younger people in your former profession, teach a skill at a community center, tutor students, or write your memoirs for family. Your experience has real value.
3. Find a cause that matters to you and get involved. Whether it’s walking dogs at a shelter, helping at a food bank, or advocating for issues like healthcare access or environmental conservation, contributing to your community provides structure, connection, and satisfaction.
4. Stay connected to the people you love. Host a dinner, organize a video call, or plan a get together. Being an active, engaged presence in the lives of family and friends is a profound purpose.
5. Keep learning and growing. Taking classes at community colleges, senior centers, or online keeps your mind sharp and opens new possibilities. Exploring history, mastering technology, or diving into any subject that fascinates you gives structure and meaning to your days. The added bonus: social interaction with people in your community.

Perhaps the most important thing to know is this: It’s never too late to find purpose. Whether you’re newly retired or an active octogenarian, there are always ways to contribute, connect, and find meaning.