Having a sense of purpose could protect against dementia

Researchers from the University of California - Davis Health followed 13,000 adults aged 45 and older for up to 15 years in a study published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and found that people who reported a higher sense of purpose in life were 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment including dementia.

Previous studies on aging have identified a range of factors that help to give older adults a sense of purpose, known as ‘ikigai’. these include:

• Relationships: spending time with family, a spouse or friends

• Personal Goals: pursuing hobbies and learning new skills

• Work or Volunteering: continuing to work, mentoring or volunteering

• Helping Others: including acts of kindness and philanthropy

• Spirituality: spiritual practices, religious beliefs and community