Will a purpose-driven life help you live longer?

In this study, having more life purpose was associated with a lower rate of death during the study period overall, from cardiovascular disease and blood conditions, and also from digestive conditions. However, stronger life purpose didn’t appear to insulate study participants from all health conditions. Researchers did not find an effect on death rates from cancer, tumors, or conditions that affected the respiratory tract. It’s also important to note that the study didn’t prove that having a life purpose resulted in the lower death rates seen in the study. “This was a well-done observational study. But there are limitations from studies with this kind of design, as they can’t pinpoint causality,” says Kim. How does life purpose keep you healthy? There are a few theoretical reasons why having a life purpose might help improve your health. “We’re currently working on a review article about this topic and we found literature suggesting that purpose in life works through three main pathways,” says Kim. These include the following: It makes you more likely to protect your health. For example, you might eat healthier, sleep better, exercise more, or increase your use of preventive health services. It could reduce stress. “There’s some evidence from lab studies and studies that track people over time that suggests that people with a higher sense of purpose in life are less perturbed by various stressors, and also rec...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Behavioral Health Healthy Aging Men's Health Relationships Women's Health Source Type: blogs