A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine looked at 13,000 US adults aged 50 years and older who self-reported sense of purpose and looked at 8 year mortality risk beginning between 2006 to 2008. It was found that having a higher purpose was associated with lower all-cause mortality. The benefit was evident across gender, race, and ethnicity but was felt to be stronger for women as compared to men.

It has also been found that a sense of purpose in life helps in learning and growth and has been linked to less memory impairment and less functional decline. A sense of purpose not only gives you something to look forward to… be it a goal to achieve, a milestone to reach…. but also indirectly promotes a healthier lifestyle…you will eat better, get more activity in, impart positivity, and laugh more!