By Mike Clark

Well, it is the first of the year again, a time when a lot of people sit down and write out goals or at least say them in their minds. They want to lose weight, read a book or books, learn a new language, get more fit and on and on. But instead of setting these goals that we seem to do every year and don’t follow through on them, I want to suggest a new resolution, striving to lead a purpose-driven lifestyle. It doesn’t matter how old you are, living with a purpose is what we all need to do. This becomes especially important as we get older.

Let me ask you a simple question…If I could let you in on a little secret that would help you function and have better mobility as you continue to age would you listen?

Well, studies have shown that having a purpose in life will help maintain function and independence as we age. In fact, a study published by JAMA Psychiatry indicated that people with goals and a sense of purpose had more grip strength and walked with a faster gate. Weak grip strength and slow walking speeds are two signs of declining health and physical ability which are risk factors for disability.

We already know that studies have shown that having a purpose in life has been linked to overall well-being, like longer life, decreased risk of disease, better sleep, and healthier lifestyles. The JAMA study is among the first to examine its connection to physical well-being.

So, now that I have let you in on the secret, what are you going to do about it?

Do You Have a Purpose?

Older adults are often associated with having wisdom and experience. Aging adults should be happier as they continue to age because they are more developed emotionally and have an increased depth of knowledge and inner balance. Unfortunately, the opposite tends to happen and meaning and purpose usually decrease as we age.  

Were you prepared for retirement? This marked the end of our middle years and brought on huge life changes that many are unprepared for. With medical advances increasing our longevity our social system struggles to keep up. Thus we get the gift of living a longer life, but our social structure does not promote a fulfilling life in our oldest years.

Many older adults go through a period of trial and error after retirement. They are constantly searching for new meaning and purpose for living. This is a normal process as we age but finding a fulfilling life can be crucial to your well-being. There are countless activities, projects, and bucket lists to be done, but without a purpose behind these goals, the meaning is relative and subjective. What works for some might not work for others, but there are opportunities available to any senior in search of meaning and purpose.

As I am writing this blog I am reminded of a passage in the Bible that states having a purpose plainly:

Matthew 5:13-16 ESV

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. ‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’ ”

Just because we are older doesn’t mean that we cannot still be useful and have a purpose. Continue to be the salt of the earth and do not lose your taste for learning, teaching, and growing. 

Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life

Have you ever asked yourself “Why am I here?, What is my purpose?.”  Well, a lot of people have. These should be positive questions that we ask ourselves on a regular basis. We need to evaluate our situation all the time. Asking the right questions can in itself bring on a sense of purpose. Take these questions and reinvent yourself, start new projects and give new meaning to your life. Continue to be the salt of the earth.

Just because you are older doesn’t mean you can no longer contribute to society.  Opportunities may not come as obvious as they once did when raising children and providing for your family was the purpose you once did daily, but there are still plenty of opportunities left for you to tackle. You may have to actively search for and create new opportunities to contribute and feel purposeful about.

Good News

The good news is that seniors always have something to offer. It doesn’t matter your age or physical ability, seniors can combine their skills, experience and knowledge to contribute to society, their community, and their family. Even if old age causes health and mobility issues that may restrict some choices for activities, there is always a way to adapt to new circumstances and situations that are still meaningful and purposeful.

In Dr. Marc Agronin’s book ‘The End of Old Age’, he says that old age doesn’t have to be our enemy. Living with the right purpose and mindset, getting older is not a weakness but a strength. If we continue to learn and grow, even if we face adversity, we can overcome them by reinventing ourselves and gaining a sense of purpose.

How do you reinvent yourself, you ask?  Well, all that wisdom and knowledge you have gained over the years was gained for a purpose and that purpose is now. You may have been an athlete all of your life, but can no longer play the sports you once played. That doesn’t mean you can’t still be athletic. Instead of playing tennis or basketball like you once did, you could now do yoga, walk or even swim. The opportunities are endless if you have the right mindset.

Our mindset is how we define ourselves and find meaning and purpose in life.  Sometimes we get caught up in the negative aspects of aging and that is all we talk about. The standing joke of aging is “if I knew what being old was like I would have taken better care of myself.”  Don’t focus on the past because nothing can change that now, instead, focus on the future and live it well.  

Some people focus on the negative aspects of aging such as pain, stiffness, and physical difficulties, but focusing on the positive aspects of getting older will bring on a more optimistic mindset. This will help you find meaning and purpose in life. Developing gratitude for all you have and do will lead to a happier life.

Religion and Spiritual Well Being

Knowing that God loves you should make life meaningful. For many of us, our faith is the key source of our happiness, meaning, and purpose in life. Getting involved in your local church can change your emotional life in a positive way. This also offers an opportunity to connect with other like-minded people who can help encourage you through life.

1 John 4:9-10 ESV

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Finding that sense of purpose, and determining our potential and why we are here is an individual journey. One that each of us must walk every day.