Finding a Purpose in Life Can Empower Older Adults to Thrive

What matters most to you? It’s a simple yet complicated question, and not everyone finds it easy to answer.

But the science behind knowing the answer goes back years: If you can define what matters most to you and live a life with meaning and purpose, it can lead to better health outcomes. That’s especially true for older adults. So, how can you answer the question of what matters most? Let’s explore that more!  

The science behind purpose and health 

For years, research has shown a strong link between life purpose and better health. A systematic review found that those who have a purpose in life are more motivated to take care of their health and embrace healthy behaviors.

Some find it challenging to maintain a sense of purpose when they retire. If you’re in that situation, don’t feel alone — it’s not easy navigating significant life transitions, and many people find deep meaning in their work. But while you may have found purpose in climbing the corporate ladder or raising your children, that doesn’t mean your purpose is gone! By answering the question “What matters to you?” and making a plan to live into that, you can identify the things you may not realize are already bringing you joy.

Identifying what matters and living with purpose has other health benefits. Hebrew SeniorLife’s Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, PhD, medical director of the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health, co-authored a study that found a strong purpose in life can promote cognitive resilience — the capacity of the brain to cope with stressors, injuries, and pathology and resist the development of disease — among middle-aged adults. Powering up purpose and positivity is also one of Dr. Pascual-Leone’s six pillars for maintaining good brain health.

Other studies have associated purpose in life with reduced dementia risk and cognitive function, as well as reduced impairment in activities of daily living. There’s no denying the power of purpose.

Purpose in life is meaningful for those with chronic health conditions and disabilities, too. Another study found that purpose in life can help older adults with disabilities maintain a higher quality of life by aiding them in managing changes to their health and early-onset stressors. 

Answering the question of what matters to you

As the dedicated health and well-being navigator at Orchard Cove in Canton, MA, I have reflective and meaningful conversations with residents to help them articulate what matters to them and think about whether they have what they need to be able to live into that. Our desire is that each resident feels supported and empowered to live their best life according to what matters.

Often, I hear people say that they don’t have or need a purpose because of their age. That isn’t true! While the nature of life’s purpose and meaning may shift throughout life, your need for purpose doesn’t go away. It may just look different in this chapter. That’s why answering the question of what matters most to you now can help you better understand 1) your current sources of joy and meaning and 2) your life and health priorities.

Every person has their own priorities and challenges in life. Because of this, no person’s purpose is the same. However, one common theme I have noticed during conversations is that the health and happiness of loved ones and one’s own health are often two of the biggest sources of what matters. That can manifest in many different ways.

For one person, the joy of video calls with an out-of-state grandchild may motivate them to make an appointment with an audiologist to hear better on the calls. For another, meeting up with friends to play cards could be a daily activity that makes life meaningful. For someone else, fitness goals may translate to a desire to walk a mile daily whenever possible. And for yet another, nurturing a garden in the spring and summer may help them maintain their mobility and offer the serenity of the outdoors.

Of course, some people face significant health barriers and challenges. While these health & well-being navigation conversations don’t treat or fix those health problems, I can support residents in understanding what gives their lives meaning despite ongoing health challenges and offer support and resources. For example, a resident may enjoy having dinner with their friends and choose to conserve their strength and stamina throughout the day to be well enough to do so.

Meaning and purpose in life don’t need to be overly complicated or involve aggressive goal-setting that leads to stress — it can be simple daily moments you look forward to. That might mean prioritizing family, friends, hobbies, giving back to the community, leading a program or class, spending time with your pet, maintaining your health, spending time outside, or something else. It’s up to you.  

While “What matters to you?” may seem like a straightforward question, it can be a loaded one that causes you to realize that you’ve never considered the answer. That’s okay! You can reflect on your answer when you’d like to, then pursue what you find purposeful. It’s not about pressuring yourself to change or take action on a specific timeline. Instead, it’s about living a life that fosters well-being and happiness. If you’re a Hebrew SeniorLife resident, know that we have resources on-site to empower you to act as soon as you feel ready. 

Are you ready to be empowered to live your best life? 

“What matters” is the most important underlying theme in everything we do at Orchard Cove. Prospective residents are introduced to the concept before moving in, and residents have the option to have meaningful conversations about what matters to them every six months as part of the health and well-being navigation program.

Identifying what matters is crucial, but we don’t stop there. Residents have access to meaningful resources that empower them to not only determine their purpose but also live it. Whether you are looking to utilize a service that could improve your health and well-being but aren’t sure where to go, start a resident-led program or group, connect with others who have similar interests, or find ways to volunteer and give back...the list is endless!

Do you want to live in a supportive yet independent environment with access to the resources that can empower you to live a purposeful and fulfilling life? You’ve found the right place! Contact us online today to learn more about our senior living options.

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