Dr. Goodall's Sense of Purpose Gave Her a Fulfilling Life

When Dr. Jane Goodall passed away at 91 in California, she was still actively speaking and working on her lifelong mission. Even in her later years, she was deeply committed to her work, traveling and advocating for the protection of chimpanzees and environmental conservation. This dedication wasn’t just part of her career. It was a manifestation of a profound sense of purpose that extended throughout her life.

For older adults, this sense of purpose can be the key to not only living a longer life but also a more fulfilling one. As geriatricians and researchers have found, a meaningful life with a sense of direction can play a significant role in one’s longevity.

Sense of Purpose and Longer Life The connection between having a sense of purpose and living a longer life is supported by growing research. One notable study, the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, followed nearly 6,000 adults from 1994 through the late 2010s. Researchers sought to understand how sense of purpose influenced life expectancy.

In this study, participants were asked statements such as:

• "Some people wander aimlessly through life, but I am not one of them."

• "I sometimes feel as if I have done all there is to do in life." (This was reverse-scored, meaning a stronger agreement with this statement indicated a lack of purpose.)
  

By 2022, 1,857 of the participants had passed away. The researchers found that those who reported a higher sense of purpose were significantly more likely to be alive in 2023.

Purpose and Its Role in Cognitive Health In addition to promoting longer lives, a sense of purpose appears to offer protection against cognitive decline.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that those who have a sense of purpose were 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment, including conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Researchers also looked at other factors that could influence brain health, like depression, level of education, and whether someone carried the APOE4 gene which is a genetic marker linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk. Even after accounting for these risks and looking across people from a range of racial and ethnic backgrounds, purpose still showed a clear protective effect.

How to Cultivate a Sense of Purpose in Later Life Finding a sense of purpose isn't limited to a certain stage of life. In fact, later life can be an great time to reflect, reconnect, and re-engage with what matters most. Retirement or an empty nest can offer the freedom to explore new interests, deepen relationships, or give back to others. And for those feeling adventurous, purpose may come from trying something completely new. Starting a blog to share life reflections, taking up photography, or organizing a small community project like a neighborhood book exchange may feel unfamiliar at first but it opens new doors for growth. Dr. Jane Goodall, for example, began her scientific work without formal training. What she had was passion, curiosity, and a belief that her efforts mattered. For some, purpose comes from returning to a lifelong interest.  A person who always loved music might finally have time to take piano lessons or join a local choir. Someone who found joy in gardening may start a small community garden, not only to enjoy the activity but also to teach others how to grow food or beautify shared spaces. These everyday passions can become a powerful source of meaning especially when they’re shared with others.

For others, purpose may grow from helping people or giving back. Whether it’s reading to children at the local library, helping adults learn job skills, or offering a listening ear to those facing challenges, older adults bring perspective and stability that younger generations often value.

Relationships themselves can also be a deep source of purpose. Spending intentional time with family members, particularly grandchildren or younger relatives, offers a sense of continuity and legacy. Storytelling, mentorship, or simply being present during life’s ups and downs can be more meaningful than any formal role. Even friendships in this stage of life can become richer and more purposeful when nurtured.

In the end, a sense of purpose doesn’t need to be dramatic or world-changing. What matters is that it feels meaningful to you. Whether you're starting something new, giving back, or deepening your connections, there are many ways to find purpose and many reasons to begin, no matter your age.

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