Question 423 of 433
Does having a purpose really affect how long I live?
The short answer
Yes. People with a strong sense of purpose have lower rates of heart attack, stroke, dementia, and death in study after study.
In a pooled analysis of ten studies and 136,000 people, a high sense of purpose was linked to a 17 percent lower risk of death. The Japanese call it ikigai, the reason you get up in the morning. It does not need to be grand. Caring for a grandchild, tending a garden, serving your congregation, finishing a book, or teaching someone to read will do.
Retirement is a risk if it is only an ending. Retire to something.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
OBSERVATIONAL — Purpose and mortality: consistent association, not proof that assigning purpose extends life.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 29, Q423 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.