Purpose in life and well-being

A landmark study of more than 6,600 adults ages 62 and older found nearly half (46%) reported lacking a fundamental sense of purpose, wholeness, and connection—what researchers call “fulfillment”—despite living in an era of longer life expectancy and medical advancement.

Excerpt from Half of older Americans are unfulfilled

Having a purpose doesn’t mean you have to change the world or become famous. It just means having a reason to get up each day. It’s the feeling that your life has a direction and that what you do every day really counts. Having a sense of purpose in life brings wonderful benefits. When you have meaning and goals, your brain isn’t always on high alert, so your body produces less of the stress hormone called cortisol. People who know what gives their life meaning tend to recover more quickly when they get sick. Older adults who feel a strong purpose are also less likely to face memory problems or develop conditions like dementia.

Purpose isn't something you stumble across by chance; it's something you create step by step with everyday actions.

Participation question:

What values (like kindness, creativity, or hard work) matter most to you?

What do you hope to see when you look back at your life?

Helpful Videos:

Acts of kindness

Helpful Resources:

Half of older Americans are unfulfilled

Understanding fulfillment: A new roadmap for your retirement journey

Seeking Help 

Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries, which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges. 

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