Living with Purpose–a Key Contributor to Aging with Gusto

Key Contributors to Living with Gusto

1. Doing things that you find satisfying or fulfilling.
2. Striving to maximize physical health.
3. Striving to maximize cognitive health (thinking).
4. Striving to maximize emotional health (feelings).
5. Learning new things and challenging yourself.
6. Having choice and control over decisions that affect your life.
7. Being connected with family, friends and a broader community.
8. Having a sense of purpose, doing things that are meaningful, and contributing to something greater than yourself.

Key Contributor #8: Having a sense of purpose, doing things that are meaningful, and contributing to something greater than yourself.

By Sally Brown

Sally has been involved with the Vital Aging network since 2013, serving as a facilitator and on the Design Team and Task Force for Aging with Gusto, on the Wellness 50+ Design Team, and as co-facilitator of the Evolve leadership program. She was active with the Gray Panthers locally and served on the National Board of Directors and as its Executive Director. Sally worked at the Amherst Wilder Foundation for 34 years designing, managing and leading educational, youth development, community building and leadership development programs before retiring.

Each month Aging with Gusto has been highlighting one of the key contributors to aging with gusto. So far we have shared information and personal reflections about maximizing physical health, fostering social connections, and learning new things. This month I will focus on having a sense of purpose.

A number of years ago a high school youth told me something that has stood out to me and that I carry with me as an important life message. I was working with Bob in a part time alternative school program that was located in a complex of housing and services for older adults. Bob was a bright young man with serious reading and learning disabilities. He frequently skipped his high school classes because school was such a negative experience for him. And yet, he regularly came to the alternative program, even coming in on some weekends and evenings for special activities with the older people. I asked Bob why he never missed coming to our program. He responded, “If I didn’t come, Gladys (an older woman he frequently visited) would be really disappointed and sad.” Bob was aware that he was doing something valuable and meaningful, and realized that his presence in Glady’s life was serving an important purpose.

I often remember that story when I think about the power of living with purpose. In so many parts of Bob’s life he felt that he was a failure and that his life didn’t matter. Yet when he was serving a purpose, when he was making a difference in someone else’s life, he was proud and felt good about himself. It motivated him and he knew he mattered.  

Research confirms the importance of purpose. Various studies have found that individuals who have a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life tend to engage in healthier behaviors and lifestyle choices and are better at stress management. They also have better mental health, cognitive functioning, and overall well-being compared to those who lack a sense of purpose. British researchers Steptoe and Fancourt concluded that “maintaining a sense that life is worthwhile may be particularly important at older ages.”

I keep pretty active and enjoy many different things: hiking in the woods, taking road trips, reading novels, keeping up with what is going on in the world, doing puzzles, and spending time with friends and family. I can easily and happily fill my days with all that. Those activities are primarily focused on enjoying my life, and there is nothing wrong with that. Yet, I know for me it is not enough. My life seems more full and satisfying, if I can also contribute to something beyond me. I, like Bob, feel more content if I am doing something meaningful and worthwhile. So, I volunteer regularly with two nonprofits: the Youth Leadership Initiative and the Vital Aging Network. I love mentoring young people and seeing their growth, and find great pleasure facilitating Aging with Gusto and hearing how older adults have found them thought-provoking, enlightening and fun. Volunteering fulfills my desire to make a difference in the lives of others and provides that sense of purpose, which is such an important component in my ability to Age with Gusto!