Purpose

In giving talks to community groups about brain fitness, I emphasize that a number of elements go in to brain fitness. And one of these key elements has nothing to do with high-tech computer training. For optimal brain fitness, a sense of purpose is crucial. You have to have a reason for getting out of bed in the morning.

The evidence for my proposition is there, if you look for it. Dan Buettner, in his book Blue Zones, shows that purpose and social engagement are present in areas of the world where people routinely live into their 80s, 90s, and 100s. Other studies have shown that people who have a sense of purpose in life are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Several recent studies support the view of sense of purpose may be an important factor in maintaining physical and psychological well being. A study reported in The Gerontologist shows that people involved in volunteer activities during midlife had better mood and physical health 20 years later.

Another study explicitly investigated purpose in life. The study reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry showed that people who reported a greater sense of purpose in life had reduced risks for developing Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.

References:

Pillemer K, et al. (2010). Environmental volunteering and health outcomes over a 20-year period. The Gerontologist, published on line February 19, 2010. Click here.

Boyle PA et al. (2010). Effect of a purpose in life on risk of incident Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older persons. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67, 304-310.