Cultivating Purpose After Fifty
Living with purpose is a journey that takes on new dimensions in our fifties and beyond. As we start to shift our gaze from careers and raising young children to other parts of our lives, a sense of purpose can act as a spearhead to inform the directions we might take.
Purpose is a topic close to my heart, having experienced firsthand how a strong sense of purpose can shape one's career and life choices. At 60, I continue to find that purpose drives my decisions and actions. However, I've come to realize that purpose isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. It's as unique and diverse as we are, evolving with our experiences and life stages. Some of us may have always felt a clear calling, while others might be exploring the idea of purpose for the first time. Whether you're seeking to redefine your purpose or discover it anew, this blog explores three distinct perspectives on purpose and offers practical ways to cultivate it in your life after fifty. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to find purpose – it's about discovering what resonates with you and enriches your life in meaningful ways.
Why Purpose Matters
According to Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist, having purpose and meaning in your life is one of the eight foundations for a flourishing life. Focusing on something greater than ourselves serves as a source of motivation, satisfaction, and fulfilment, especially in times of change.
Importantly, research has shown that living with purpose can have significant positive impacts on health and longevity. One study found that people with a strong sense of purpose had a 15% lower risk of dying over the following decade, regardless of their age when they identified their purpose. This highlights the importance of cultivating purpose at any stage of life.
Other studies also provide evidence of the benefits of purposeful living. The Rush Memory and Aging project, for example, compared people who said they had purpose in their lives with those who said they lacked a sense of purpose, and found purpose-driven people were:
• 2.5 times more likely to remain free of dementia
• 22% less likely to exhibit risk factors for stroke
• 52% less likely to have experienced a stroke
These striking findings highlight the profound impact that living with purpose can have on our physical and cognitive health as we age. By cultivating a sense of purpose, we may not only enrich our lives but also protect our health and extend our longevity.
As we explore ways to find and nurture purpose in our lives after fifty, it's encouraging to know that doing so can yield such significant benefits for our overall well-being and quality of life.
Three Perspectives on Purpose
'“The purpose of life is to discover your gift.
The work of life is to develop it.
The meaning of life is to give your gift away.”
—David Viscott,
“Finding Your Strength in Difficult Times: A Book of Meditations”
Purpose as an overarching life pursuit
For some, purpose is like a North Star - a constant, unwavering direction that guides all their decisions and actions. I call this Big P purpose. For those who experience this kind of purpose it feels like something inherent and unchanging, often discovered through deep introspection or a profound life experience. It's the idea that we each have a ‘why’ that drives us or a mission to fulfil.
For example, Jane, a retired teacher, always felt her purpose was to nurture and educate. Even after leaving the classroom, she continues to live this purpose by mentoring young adults and volunteering at literacy programs. Her sense of purpose remains constant, even as the way she expresses it evolves.
A portfolio of purposes
Another way to view purpose is not as a single, overarching mission but as multiple small p purposes applied to different parts of our lives, such as our family/friends, work, community, or a cause, where we bring unique purpose and intentionality to each domain. Together they form a portfolio of purposes. For many of us, work occupies a large part of our purpose portfolio, but when work is coming to an end, we need to cultivate purpose in other areas of our portfolio.
Consider Michelle, who finds purpose in being a supportive mother, contributing to her community through volunteer work, and pursuing her passion for environmental conservation. Her "portfolio of purposes" allows her to find fulfilment in various aspects of his life, adapting as circumstances change.
Purpose as a Practice
The third perspective sees purpose not as a noun but as a verb; a deliberate and conscious way of being. In this way, purpose is something to be cultivated through daily choices and actions. It's about living intentionally and finding meaning in the present moment.
Sarah embodies this approach. She doesn't have a grand, lifelong mission but instead focuses on bringing purpose to each day. She might find meaning in helping a neighbour, learning something new, or simply appreciating nature. For Sarah, purpose is about how she shows up in the world each day.
Cultivating Purpose in Your Life
Regardless of which perspective resonates with you, here are some practical ways to cultivate purpose in your life after fifty:
1. Reflect on your values: Identify what truly matters to you. Your values can serve as a compass for finding purposeful activities and making decisions aligned with your authentic self.
2. Explore your passions: Reconnect with old interests or discover new ones. Passion often points the way to purpose.
3. Leverage your life experience: Consider how your unique skills, knowledge, and experiences can benefit others or causes you care about.
4. Be curious: Open yourself to new ideas and possibilities, the what ifs. Be curious about yourself, others, new pursuits, and the world.
5. Set meaningful goals: Having something to work towards can provide a sense of direction and purpose.
6. Connect with others: Relationships and community involvement often bring a deep sense of meaning and purpose.
7. Embrace lifelong learning: Continuing to grow and learn can open new avenues for purpose and fulfilment.
Remember, finding and then living your purpose is a personal journey. What brings meaning to your life may be different from others, and that's perfectly okay. The key is to remain open, curious, and willing to explore. Don’t get stuck thinking purpose is something large and lofty nor that you just have to wait till your calling calls. Start somewhere. Your purpose will be uniquely whatever you make it. By cultivating purpose now, it is quite likely that your most purposeful and fulfilling years may lie ahead!