Having a purpose

Having A Purpose

‘ The purpose of life is a life of purpose’ Robert Byrne

Song – ‘ Don’t stop me now’ – QUEEN

Individuals have a variety of purposes that are not static throughout life. For example, a purpose might relate to education, career, family, travel, health, fighting a cause and a goal to obtaining a specific sporting achievement.

A purpose could be something that motivates you, a commitment or an interest. It can be as simple as growing your favourite plant or as complex as writing 50 novels.

A sense of purpose means the desire or willingness to do something. A sense of purpose is what makes us get up each day and enjoy the time and life that has been given to us.

After retirement some people feel that they no longer have purpose. Many studies reveal that having a purpose in life is integral to having a positive well being, aids longevity, lowers stress levels and increases overall happiness.

Without a purpose people might unknowingly retreat from living.

Studies of the longest living communities show that having a sense of purpose contributes to their longevity. A Japanese town ‘Okinawa’ has one of the longest living communities. These people believe this is due to having close, supportive friendships and having a sense of purpose well into old age. Their sense of purpose includes looking after grand children, gardening, volunteering and contributing to their community.

There are many ways you can find meaning or purpose in life after retirement. This could be through creativity, education, family, fitness, health, kind acts and volunteering to name a few. Joining an interest group of like minded people contributes to both making new friendships as well as it meets a purpose.

I recently watched a series based on a Stephen King novel ‘ Mr Mercedes’. It begins with a retired detective who finds himself without purpose. But how his life changes when he finds his purpose and becomes passionate about fulfilling it.

For myself I have many things that contribute to my sense of purpose including

• Maintaining my health and fitness
• Keeping a close connection to family and friends
• Writing drafts for a book until I perfect it !
• Researching and writing my monthly blog.
• Travel – here and overseas
• Being Kind to people.
• Growing phalonopsis orchids
• Growing vegetables ( figs and finger limes are a passion )
• Home cooking using as few as possible processed foods.

So I have a variety of reasons to wake up each day and keep myself motivated to keep going. This also relates to my desire to live to be a healthy centenarian so I can fulfil my desires.

When I asked a friend whose mother is fit and well at 91 how her mum is going she said, ‘Mum always says she hasn’t got time to die. She is a prolific reader of novels and the newspaper, keeps up with her large family, regularly swims, still drives around Sydney and has many friends that she meets and travels with.’

So that’s a fantastic adage ‘ Haven’t got time to die ‘ I will be taking that one on board!!

I asked a variety of people what is their purpose in life, these are the responses.

Kay (68 years) – ‘ Nurture my family. Enjoying nature. Endless gardening . Bonsai. Creative writing group. Enjoying time with friends. Bucket list. Enjoying Life.

Garry (73) – Spending time with family and grandchildren. Playing golf and the 19th hole. Continuing with my passion of music particularly Rock and Roll. Keeping my weight at a healthy level. Travel. Maintaining life long friendships.

Roger (80) – Looking after my grandson, going to The Men’s Shed, playing the guitar, listening to music, gardening.

Mavis (106) – Looking after my indoor plants, meeting friends at the community centre, visits from family and friends, reading.

Having a purpose is as integral as diet and exercise if you want to live a long, happy life.

Feel free to share your purpose in life in the comments below.

My research has led me to a series of podcasts on YouTube ZOE- Science and nutrition. The episode from 9th August 2023 addresses healthy aging. It is titled ‘The surprising power of your social life’. It is well worth watching as most people who have lived a long and happy life recognise the importance of social interaction being an important part of their life purpose.

Till next time – ‘ Keep on rocking and Rolling ‘ and remember “Don’t stop me now, I’m having such a good time… QUEEN

Kim