The Importance of Purpose

What is your definition of success?

The latest study from Age Wave and Edward Jones shows that as we age, our definition of success changes. Younger people see success in terms of wealth and status, while as we age we shift to seeing success as having a positive impact on others and being happy with what we are doing and the person we have become.?

Importance of Having Purpose

There has been considerable research pertaining to the importance of having purpose and meaning in one’s life. Having purpose has been shown to help people gain feelings of self-worth and wellbeing as well as help with one’s health and longevity. The study from Age Wave and Edward Jones highlights the importance of purpose in retirement aged people and how the COVID pandemic has changed people’s thinking about what is important to them. The initial study was conducted in May, 2020, just 4 months into the pandemic. The latest surveys were conducted in December, 2020 and March, 2021.

Fear of Alzheimer's Disease

Another fascinating note is that retirees fear getting Alzheimer’s Disease more than they fear cancer or COVID. In May, 2020, 32% feared getting Alzheimer’s. It went up to 41% by December 2020. Fear of cancer remained steady at 21%. Fear of the flu or COVID was 19% in May, 2020, and went down to 14% by December. Fear of stroke and heart attacks were even lower. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 Americans 85+ will live with dementia.

It’s Important to Feel Useful in Retirement

Because many retirees have helped with childcare, assisted neighbors and provided emotional support to others during the pandemic, they have felt a greater sense of purpose and connection. Ninety-three percent said that it is important to feel useful in retirement, 92% said that this is the key to having a successful retirement, and 87% said that “being useful makes them feel youthful”. However, 27% have struggled with making the transition from work to retirement.

Why is this important?

Having purpose reduces risk of:

Alzheimer’s Disease| Cardiovascular Issues| Depression| Stroke and Disability

Those who feel a higher sense of purpose have:

Better Overall Health| Greater Cognitive Functioning| Higher Life Satisfaction| Increased Mobility| Longer Lifespans

How Can We Find Ways to Help?

One difficulty that was noted is that retirees have a hard time finding ways to contribute and gain that sense of purpose. Eighty-six percent of adults and 89% of retirees say “there should be more ways for retirees to put their talents and knowledge to use for the benefit of their communities and society.”?

How can people, of all ages, find purpose and meaning?

Becoming a Companion for older adults can fulfill the desire to make a difference in other people’s lives.?

Enter the Purpose Project

The Big Idea

One day, Laurie Miller and Emilia Bourland were discussing concerns in their respective professional industries. They shared observations about how devastating and overwhelming the pandemic has been to family caregivers, teachers, and people of retirement age. Many have had their caregiving journey or their professional lives cut short. They still have more to offer and feel the need to give. They need to find purpose and meaning in their life.

An “Aha” moment.

Could they find the people who need to give and find purpose, train them to be capable and confident Companions and then connect them with older adults who need assistance to remain as independent as possible??

The answer was “yes” and the seed was planted. Together, they have created the Purpose Project.

The Purpose Project was founded to connect those looking to make a difference with those who need the assistance. The Purpose Project will develop confident and knowledgeable Companions through a free online course. Upon completion, Companions will be offered professional opportunities to assist older adults that fit within their own schedule as well as comfort level.?

?

Need More Proof?

Here is a great article from the Blue Zones: Face-to-Face Contacts (Not Facebook Connections) Impact Your Health and Longevity

Article from the great Ken Dychtwald: A Massive Elder Corps is Just Waiting to be Helpful

Article from Qrius: Psychological Richness vs. Happiness

Article from Psychology Today: 10 Ways Purpose Can Change Your life

Can you help us spread the word?

If you know anyone who wants to:

• Age successfully
• Reduce their risk of cognitive decline
• Encounter instant gratification
• Create feelings of wellbeing
• Increase overall health
• And earn some money

Please tell them about the Purpose Project.