A study of 62,250 older adults conducted by University College London across three continents revealed higher purpose or meaning in life was “significantly associated” with a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.
In fact, simply having a sense of purpose was linked with a 19% reduced rate of clinically significant cognitive impairment, the Daily Mail reported.
Previous evidence suggests that feeling a purpose in life may be beneficial to recovering from stress and is associated with reduced inflammation in the brain – both of which may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia, the paper added.
“Dementia prevention programs for at-risk groups that focus on well-being could benefit by prioritizing activities that bring purpose and meaning to people’s lives, rather than just hedonistic activities that might increase positive mood states,” said Dr. Joshua Scott, the study’s lead researcher.
The full story is available at the Daily Mail.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.