A Sense of Purpose May Be a Key to Prevent Loneliness

Finding a sense of purpose in life, whether it’s an ambitious goal to make a difference locally or globally or simply a hobby that is personally meaningful, may offer protection against lone­liness, according to a study published in the journal Psychology and Aging. Swiss researchers found that, in general, people who reported a purposeful life—regardless of their age—were also less lonely. Researchers defined life purpose simply as having something leading and directing you from one day to the next. It can be an activity such as gardening or something weightier, such as supporting a family, caregiving, or achieving success at work. Researchers noted that many activities reported by study participants who indicated feeling particularly purposeful were those that involved interacting with others, such as volunteering, joining a club, and playing in a sports league. These findings should help dispel a long­ held idea that retirement is a time to rest rather than remain busy and engaged. There is no downside to finding something meaningful to do later in life, especially if it involves socialization and receiving support from others. And remember that even if others find your activities triv­ial, it only matters that you find them meaningful. 

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