Understanding the Link Between Purpose and Longevity
Research into Blue Zones—regions where individuals typically enjoy extended lifespans—suggests that a sense of purpose may contribute to increased longevity.
New Findings on Purpose and Dementia Risk
Recent research conducted by UC Davis indicates that maintaining a sense of purpose may provide additional benefits as individuals age, particularly in lowering the risk of dementia.
This study, published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, tracked over 13,000 adults aged 45 and older for a duration of up to 15 years.
The researchers found that participants who reported a greater sense of purpose in life were approximately 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairments, which include mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
The protective benefits attributed to having a sense of purpose were evident across diverse racial and ethnic groups and remained significant even when controlling for factors such as education, depression, and the APOE4 gene—a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Purpose in Life and Brain Resilience
“Our findings demonstrate that maintaining a sense of purpose helps to support brain resilience as we age,” stated Aliza Wingo, senior author and professor in the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. “Even among individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease, a sense of purpose was linked to a delayed onset and lower incidence of dementia.”
While participants did not specify the activities that imbued their lives with purpose, prior studies have identified a variety of pursuits that contribute to this sense of fulfillment, often referred to as “ikigai.” These can include:
- Relationships: Engaging with family, spending time with grandchildren, or supporting a spouse or friend.
- Work or Volunteering: Remaining active in professional roles, mentoring, or contributing to community initiatives.
- Spirituality or Faith: Participation in religious beliefs, spiritual practices, or faith-based communities.
- Personal Goals: Pursuing hobbies, learning new skills, or setting personal milestones.
- Helping Others: Engaging in acts of kindness, philanthropy, caregiving, or advocacy work.
Delayed Onset of Cognitive Decline
The study also observed that individuals with a stronger sense of purpose tended to experience cognitive decline later compared to those with a lower sense of purpose. On average, this delay in onset was modest—approximately 1.4 months over an eight-year period—when accounting for age, education, depressive symptoms, and genetic risk factors. However, this delay is significant when contrasted with current treatment options.
“While treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab can moderately delay cognitive impairment symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, they carry risks and require financial investment,” noted Nicholas C. Howard, the first author and public health researcher at UC Davis. “In contrast, cultivating a sense of purpose is free, safe, and accessible. It is a quality individuals can develop through relationships, personal goals, and meaningful activities.”
Study Methodology and Limitations
The participants involved in this study were part of the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative survey funded by the National Institute on Aging. All participants exhibited normal cognitive health at the study’s outset.
Researchers utilized a seven-item survey based on the Ryff Measures of Psychological Well-being. Participants responded to questions such as: “I am an active person in carrying out the plans I set for myself” and “I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life,” providing six possible responses ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” Scores were averaged to glean a well-being index between 1 and 6, with higher values indicating a stronger sense of purpose.
Cognitive health was monitored using a telephone-based test every two years. While the study boasts several strengths, including a large sample size, it is important to note that although an association was established, the study does not conclusively prove that higher levels of purpose directly result in reduced dementia rates.
Supporting Psychological Well-being
Nonetheless, the findings reinforce the significant role psychological well-being plays in promoting healthy aging, remarked Thomas Wingo, a co-author of the study and a professor and neurologist at UC Davis Health. Wingo expressed hope that future research will investigate whether interventions aimed at fostering purpose can help prevent dementia.
“An encouraging aspect of this study is that individuals may have the capacity to ‘think’ themselves into better health. Purpose in life is something that can be nurtured,” he stated. “It is never too early—or too late—to contemplate what imbues your life with meaning.”
Key Health Takeaway
Establishing and nurturing a sense of purpose may not only enhance psychological well-being but also play a vital role in delaying cognitive decline and reducing the risk of dementia as we age.
