Having a sense of purpose is not only linked to a lower risk of mortality and chronic diseases but is also associated with improvements across 35 indicators of physical, behavioral, and relational health. This suggests that cultivating a sense of purpose could be a highly effective intervention for enhancing overall well-being and health.

A Sense of Purpose

A sense of purpose is defined as the degree to which individuals perceive their lives as having meaning, direction, and goals.

Christine Frey, a Certified Health Coach, Counselor, and Founder of Glowing Older, explained to the Epoch Times that having a sense of purpose means engaging in something that brings personal meaning to life. This sense of purpose often involves contributing to others or making a positive impact, whether in the broader world or within one’s immediate community. It is what motivates you to get out of bed each morning, making life more than just a daily grind. A sense of purpose not only enriches your own life but also positively affects the lives of those around you.

The Health Benefits

A 2022 Health and Retirement Study, published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, included nearly 13,000 participants. Over a four-year follow-up period, individuals with the highest sense of purpose had a 46% lower risk of mortality compared to those with the lowest sense of purpose. They also experienced a 13% reduced risk of sleep problems, a 43% reduced risk of depression, a 23% reduced risk of stroke, a 16% reduced risk of cognitive impairment, a 28% reduced risk of physical functioning limitations, and a 17% reduced risk of lung disease.

Julia Nakamura, from the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, told the Epoch Times that several pathways may connect a sense of purpose to positive health outcomes. These pathways include the enhancement of psychological and social resources that help buffer against stress, indirect effects through health behaviors (such as a higher sense of purpose making someone more likely to engage in health-promoting activities like exercise and less likely to engage in harmful behaviors like smoking), and direct effects on biological factors (such as influencing processes like inflammation and glucose regulation).

Dr. Sulagna Misra, a medical doctor, explained that individuals with a sense of purpose often have a deeper appreciation for life, which likely stems from a strong desire to fulfill that purpose. This sense of purpose may lead people to exercise more, engage positively with others, and maintain a generally optimistic outlook. As a result, they tend to have better stress management techniques and lower rates of depression, headaches, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.

Conversely, Dr. Misra noted that those who lack a sense of purpose may be more prone to medical issues such as depression and anxiety. They may also experience social challenges, such as isolation and feelings of shame, and find it difficult to connect with others or fully enjoy life in the present moment.

Frey explained that having a sense of purpose can lead to fulfillment and contentment, both of which trigger the release of chemicals that positively impact our health and well-being.

On the other hand, Frey noted that a lack of purpose can cause people to feel adrift, believing they have nothing to offer or live for. A sense of purpose fosters social connections, often bringing together like-minded individuals and encouraging service to others. Without these connections, there is a risk of loneliness and isolation, which can lead to despondency, stress, and even depression, all of which negatively impact a person’s mental and physical health. Furthermore, lacking a sense of purpose can result in neglecting emotional and physical needs, as individuals may feel there is no reason to care for themselves—further endangering their health and well-being.

Finding Purpose

Purpose and (self)fulfilment can be difficult for some people to find, Dr Misra said.

Most people don’t have just one big purpose in life.

“A person can find purpose in multiple roles, such as being a mother or a woman, while also finding additional purpose through pursuing an education, engaging in charity work, or running a business,” she explained. “Purpose can also evolve with life circumstances and as we age.”

“Exploring different activities and surrounding yourself with diverse people can help you discover your purpose. Volunteering, continuing your education, or seeking out and connecting with someone who inspires you can be particularly beneficial. For some, purpose gradually unfolds with life, while for others, it’s a continuous journey,” Dr Misra added.

Frey mentioned that one of the biggest misconceptions about finding “purpose” is the belief that it must be something grand—like doing charitable work overseas, saving a species, or influencing government policy. However, a sense of purpose can be cultivated on a much smaller, more personal scale. Everyday activities that we enjoy can also carry a sense of purpose. For example:

• Your job may seem ordinary or mundane but choosing to encourage others each day can reframe how you think about it and how you act. Through small acts of kindness, you can make a meaningful difference in others’ lives and gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• If you love being a grandparent, you can find purpose in the role by choosing to be a positive role model for your grandchildren. Teach them values like kindness, courage, curiosity, or the importance of staying healthy—whatever qualities you believe will benefit them. By helping to shape the next generation positively, you are fulfilling a meaningful purpose.
• If you’ve developed practical skills through your work or hobbies that you enjoy using, sharing these skills or applying them for the benefit of others can imbue them with purpose. This not only enhances your sense of satisfaction and fulfillment but also benefits those around you.

“I believe that purpose is often underestimated or overlooked when it comes to cultivating health and well-being. We frequently focus on aspects like nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness—each important in its own right. However, having a larger reason or purpose for maintaining our health, beyond personal gain, is what truly gives life meaning and makes it worth living,” Frey said.