Having a Purpose in Life May Help Us Live Longer

There are several studies that suggest a purposeful life is associated with better physical and mental health and an overall improvement in quality of life.  Seniors age 65 years and older who report having a purpose in life and tangible goals appear to have an increased life span, lower risk of disease, better sleep and healthier outcomes for stroke incidence, post-stroke quality of life, depression and diabetes.

Evidence comes from several long-term studies including The Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which collected data, including information from U.S. adults age 51 to 61 regarding life purpose and other psychological well-being constructs for almost 30 years.  The recently published conclusion and relevance report states “a stronger purpose in life was associated with decreased mortality and that purposeful living may have health benefits.”  Researchers suggest future studies focus on evaluating the association of life purpose interventions with health outcomes, including mortality, to seek more knowledge on how life purpose influences health outcomes.

Another national study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed the functioning grip strength and walking speed in participants age 50 years and older.   Study participants that reported a higher sense of purpose in life were found to have better walking speeds even after researchers controlled for preexisting health conditions, depression and health behaviors.  Authors of the study report their findings suggest that “sense of purpose, a modifiable factor, may play an important role in maintaining physical function among older adults.”   

At the gorgeous MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we recognize the importance of our residents living meaningful lives.  Our wellness programs focus on mental, physical, spiritual and social connections and give our residents something to look forward to each day.  In fact we take any excuse to have a good time, be it celebrating a holiday or a birthday as residents and team members love having a good time. Please visit our website to learn more about compassionate, purposeful senior living in Santa Fe, NM. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  To get a firsthand look at the area’s finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please set up a tour.   

Source: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2734064?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=052419
time.com/4903166/purpose-in-life-aging/