A Sense of Purpose Can Increase Lifespan

A UCL led study has shown a compelling link between an individual’s sense of meaning and purpose in life and increased lifespan. The study of over 9000 English people with an average age of 65 showed that those with the greatest ‘eudemonic wellbeing’ were 30% less likely to die in the next 8 year period.

The study published in the Lancet measured ‘eudemonic wellbeing’, which relates to your sense of control, feeling that what you do is worthwhile, and your sense of purpose in life. It was found that 29% with low wellbeing had died in the follow up period while only 9% of those with the highest wellbeing died. It was calculated that people with higher wellbeing were 30% less likely to die in the 8 year period and on average lived 2 years longer than people with low wellbeing. These results were independent of age, sex, socioeconomic status, depression, physical health, smoking and alcohol intake.

There are several biological mechanisms that could link wellbeing to improved health such as hormonal changes and reduced blood pressure. As this paper only shows a correlation more research is needed to prove a causal link.

However such revelations about the link between wellbeing and life expectancy do provide an interesting new approach to improving health at old age. Perhaps possessing a ‘zest for life’ has a greater significance for physical health than previously considered.