Purpose is an essential aspect of everyone’s life. At any given age we want to know our purpose, our calling, the reason we’re here. While that may be a whole other topic entirely, we can relate to the idea of needing a purpose in life. A reason to get out of bed and change out of our pajamas in the morning, if you will. Everyone needs a purpose, some driving force to push us forward, and the need for that only deepens with age. While we’re young our purpose may simply be to learn new things at school and do good on exams, and when we’re older our purpose may be to succeed in our career path and find a community of people to surround ourselves with. We all have different purposes in life and they are so important to us as humans as they help give us the encouragement and motivation needed to embrace every day with resilience and hope.

As we age, it’s natural for most of us to yearn for comfort, security, and rest. However, perhaps one of the most important elements of a healthy and happy life at any age is having a purpose. For seniors, specifically, having a purpose can be a key element in both mental and physical well-being, and it can be crucial to living an active, enjoyable, fulfilled, and meaningful life.

Why Purpose Matters

Having a purpose is not necessarily something to do. It’s knowing that you’re important, your labor is significant, and you’re contributing to something beyond yourself. For older adults, this purpose comes in many different forms, whether it’s family, interests and hobbies, volunteering, or continuing to pursue a vocation or interest throughout your entire life.

Having a purpose in life gives us direction, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment. It helps us to better prioritize our actions, make meaningful choices, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. It also adds depth and richness to our experiences in life, making it all the more meaningful and enjoyable.

A strong sense of purpose for seniors can lead to numerous benefits, including improved physical and mental health, increased social engagement, and a greater sense of well-being and longevity. Let’s expand a bit more on those benefits:

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

Seniors who have a strong sense of purpose are less likely to be lonely, depressed, and cognitively impaired. Purpose can also boost one’s self-esteem and serve as a buffer against the risks and uncertainties of aging. Whether it is in the time spent with family, enjoying a hobby, or volunteering, older adults who engage in meaningful activity can maintain social connections. Purpose can also provide seniors with emotional steadiness of mental well-being and help them cope with the ups and downs of life.

Physical Health Benefits

The impact of purpose reaches beyond only mental well-being and has various benefits for your physical health as well. This is because purpose tends to encourage seniors to stay active—either by exercising, socializing, or engaging in other activities. The motivation that comes from having a purpose also promotes healthier lifestyles, such as proper eating, staying physically active, and getting the right amount of rest. Because of this, seniors can experience benefits such as improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and build stronger immunity. 

Finding Purpose

For many seniors, the transition from work or the loss of a spouse or friend may create a sense of purposelessness. But finding meaning in these later years is not only possible—it’s essential. Here are a few strategies for how seniors can create and maintain a sense of purpose:

Volunteering: Contributing back to society can provide profound satisfaction. Seniors enjoy volunteering in neighborhood charities, schools, churches, and community groups.

Mentorship: Sharing your experience and knowledge with younger generations can provide a sense of purpose and also provide you with a community to give back to.

Hobbies and Interests: From gardening, writing, painting, or playing an instrument to exploring new hobbies or discovering new ones, this can create a sense of fulfillment and excitement.

Physical Activity: Exercise, such as walking, yoga, or even swimming, not only keeps one physically and mentally healthy but can also boost self-esteem.

Family and Social Activities: Social interaction and friendships can ward off loneliness and isolation, creating a web of emotional support.

Purpose is an essential part of what makes life meaningful at any stage, especially in our later years. It enhances motivation, promotes well-being, and enhances our outlook on life. For seniors, establishing a sense of purpose is one of the biggest promises of healthy, joyful living in their golden years. Whether through volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, there are many ways that seniors can find purpose in their daily lives.

At Senior Industry Services, we understand the unique challenges seniors face, and we’re here to help you find the purpose and fulfillment that make life worth living at every stage. 

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer horizons.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt 

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling