Knowing how I consider scientific research on purpose significant to use in my work, my book editor Beverley Glick excitedly shared a link she’d spotted with me. Published online in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, the headline read ‘Lack of purpose and personal growth in older age may precede mild cognitive impairment’.
In my new book, Focus on Why, I share that purpose in life is recognised as a central component of determining quality of life and positive wellbeing and is supported by a growing body of research showing its correlation to numerous benefits. These benefits include increased vitality, improved sleep, mental health wellbeing and reduced risk of mortality.
Greater purpose in life has also been associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, is seen to lessen the burden following stroke, chronic pain and frailty, whereas reduced life satisfaction has been correlated with the development of chronic diseases.
In his book, The Blue Zones of Happiness Dan Buettner identified the key elements linked to longevity and happiness and in his Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones documentary series, he said that ‘the same things that help us live a long, healthy life are the things that make life worth living’.
This latest study provided by the British Medical Journal indicates that a life lacking purpose and fewer opportunities for personal growth in older age may precede development of mild cognitive impairment which is recognised as a frequent precursor of dementia. This decline could start up to six years prior to a formal diagnosis even with the absence of any evident signs.
Scientific research continues to explore what benefits purpose in life has for health and wellbeing. In the meantime, without any drawbacks of living purposefully or continuing to develop your personal growth regardless of your life stage or age, I see adopting a more purposeful way of life as a logical choice.
Incorporating a meaningful why and purpose into all your activities, and having a plan with values-based, purpose-driven intentions and focusing on them daily isn’t just a recommendation, it’s essential.
Focus on Research! Focus on WHY!
ACTION POINT - What are you doing to live purposefully and continue to develop your personal growth?
Psychological well-being trajectories preceding incident mild cognitive impairment and dementia, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (2024). https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2024/07/13/jnnp-2024-333837
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS*
Focus on Why: Create a purposeful way of life by Amy Rowlinson - https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu
The Blue Zones of Happiness by Dan Buettner - https://amzn.eu/d/ficYfAa
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