Growing older with purpose: How meaning shapes healthy ageing
Having a sense of purpose is one of the most powerful tools for healthy brain ageing. Here’s why.
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Key points
- Research has shown that sense of purpose can slow cognitive decline, improve psychological well-being, and enable you to live longer with improved quality of life.
- Sense of purpose doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.
- It can be small, achievable habits like tending to a veggie garden, going for a walk, or having coffee with a neighbour.
Healthy ageing
When we think about getting older, it’s easy to focus on what we might lose – our health, identity, roles, or even loved ones. However, ageing can also provide the opportunity to reconnect or rediscover new purpose in life.
Positive psychology, the science of what helps people thrive, shows us that purpose is a powerful ingredient for psychological well-being. Often having a sense of meaning becomes more important as we age and can leave us questioning: How do we make sure our later years in life are not just longer, but healthier and more meaningful?
The power of purpose
Purpose is about having direction and meaning in life – our ‘why’ and reasons for getting up in the morning.
Finding purpose is different for everyone. For some, it’s family such as caring for grandchildren or supporting adult children. For others, it might be volunteering at the local surf club, attending community classes such as music, choir, walking groups, or church, or nurturing a veggie garden at home.
Research has shown that purpose doesn’t just feel good – it protects our brain health and extends quality of life. Studies have linked a strong sense of purpose with slowing cognitive decline, improvements in psychological well-being, and even living a longer life.
Given the growing burden of dementia in Australia, finding ways to strengthen and preserve our brain health is particularly important as we age.
In positive psychology, purpose fosters deeper connection to ourselves, strengthens relationships with others, and provides a sense of something bigger than us (beyond personal pursuits).
It’s what helps us to feel alive again, despite the changing circumstances around us.
The Healthy Brain Ageing team at the Thompson Institute is investigating ways that sense of purpose interventions can promote healthy ageing (and prevent dementia) from midlife and beyond.
Purpose as a healing force
Grief and loss are universal experiences, particularly in later life.
Many Australians will experience many losses including that of partners, siblings, or long-term friends.
While grief can be a heavy burden, studies show that people with clear sense of purpose can often cope more effectively.
Purpose provides a buffer against sadness, helping individuals carry it in healthier ways such as volunteering for a meaningful cause or starting new projects.
It could simply be showing up each day for family, community, or rituals that feel meaningful.
Engaging in these acts allows the brain to build new neural pathways through neuroplasticity, helping to adapt and form new meaning.
Helpful tools and strategies to discover your purpose in later life
The beauty of purpose is that it isn’t fixed – you can create or rediscover it at any stage of life.
Some simple, yet powerful, ways to nurture your sense of purpose include:
- Everyday rituals: Purpose doesn’t need to be grand to make a difference. Morning walks, coffee with a friend/neighbour, cooking, gardening, doing arts and craft, learning a new skill, or tending to pets can all add up to a strong sense of meaning by setting small, achievable goals.
- Connect with others: Engaging with neighbours/friends/family members, volunteering, and sharing your skills builds both meaning and connection.
- Engaging in physical activity: Gentle movement (e.g. tai chi, yoga, or simple stretches) or low-impact exercise such as swimming or walking in nature can help you reconnect.
The bright side of ageing
Positive psychology reminds us that ageing is not just about decline but renewed meaning and growth.
Age can often come with deeper awareness, clarity about our values, wisdom from life experiences, and the freedom to choose how we spend our time.
When we live with purpose, we don’t just add years to our lives – we add life to our years.
Purpose can transform routine into ritual, grief into honour, and ageing into a season of richness and contribution.
So, as you reflect on your later years, ask yourself: What gives me a sense of meaning today or even in this moment? The answer may be simpler and more powerful than you think.
Get more evidence-based advice
The Thompson Institute’s free Brain Science for Wellbeing webinars give advice backed by science. Learn to support your brain health now and for the future.
