No matter our age, waking up each morning with purpose matters. Carleton University Psychologist Dr. Patrick Hill defines purpose as reflecting “a commitment to broader life goals that helps organize your day to day activities.”
In his study of 7,100 Americans aged 20 to 75, Hill’s team found that across all age groups those who died scored “significantly lower on purpose-in-life scales.” In looking at those past retirement age, without the structure that work brings to life, it turned out that employment doesn’t matter. Having a sense of contributing to one’s community and a sense of one’s place in the world were over-riding factors in health and well being.
A team in Chicago headed up by Dr. Patricia Boyle had similar findings. In their seven year study of just under 1,000 community dwelling seniors they discovered that those who scored high on the purpose in life scale were 2.4 times more likely to stay free of Alzheimer’s Disease and the rate of cognitive decline was slowed by 30%. 246 of those in the study who died and had autopsies showed some of the signs of Alzheimer’s however having purpose allowed them to tolerate the changes while maintaining their regular functions.
Want to be happier, sleep better and have better mental health? It seems to boil down to this: have purpose each and every day. Adapt your working routines to your non-working life. For instance transfer your knowledge and skills through mentoring, coaching or teaching. Volunteer your time to deliver meals, organize events or support a cause dear to your heart. Keep up on current events and seek out people to discuss issues with. Stay active physically and mentally. The adage that you must “use it or lose it” turns out to be true!