Living with purpose, the "secret" to helping the elderly age healthily

Feeling useful helps older adults protect their brain health. Photo: Golden Harmony

To reach the above conclusion, experts at the University of California, Davis (USA) followed more than 13,000 people aged 45 and over for 15 years. Participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess their sense of purpose in life, setting and achieving goals. The rating scale ranges from 1-6, with higher scores reflecting stronger life purpose.

The final results showed that people with a greater sense of purpose had a 28% lower risk of developing cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia. This protective effect remained even after accounting for factors such as education level, depressive symptoms, and the APOE4 gene, a major genetic risk factor for dementia in older adults (Alzheimer’s disease). Not only that, people with a greater sense of purpose also had a slower onset of cognitive decline.

Nicholas C. Howard, the study’s lead author, said that compared to medications (which often come with side effects and are expensive), purposeful living is a free, safe, and easy way to preserve cognitive function. Older adults can build purposeful lives through relationships, goal setting, and meaningful activities like volunteering.

Scientists say that having a sense of purpose is often associated with healthy habits – such as regular exercise, good sleep, social connection, and a nutritious diet. Having a sense of purpose is also linked to reduced chronic stress and inflammation, and improved blood vessel function. These factors influence resilience to age-related changes.

AN NHIEN (According to Earth.com)

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