A few months ago, I asked the question, “Do you want to live longer?” I then listed several factors that make that possible. However, I asked the question again today in light of a new study that came out last year, from the University of Michigan, which examined the lives of 6,985 adults.
What did this particular study reveal? That even after controlling for income and education levels, those individuals who had a sense of purpose lived longer. Those who had a clear reason to get up in the morning and a focused understanding of what they are called to do, seemed to experience the same benefits that are gained from not smoking and from exercising regularly.
Now please don’t think that I am saying that if you have a sense of purpose that you no longer need the treadmill and healthy lifestyle habits. Very simply, if you are already extending your life by eating well, exercising, and so on – having a sense of purpose can extend your life even further, as well as provide you greater fulfillment.
Certainly, as people created by God, we are all given clear purposes for living, by Him. At the same time, whether you are in a season of raising children or serving others through volunteering activities, your purpose can certainly have some very individual flavors to it.
So, if you want to live longer – discover why you are here. If you haven’t already, you might want to check out the book Living on Purpose.