A Sense of Purpose May Protect Against Dementia
Research into Blue Zones — regions of the world where people tend to live longer — shows that having a sense of purpose in life may help people live longer.
Now, new research from UC Davis shows that having a sense of purpose in life may have another benefit as people age: reducing the risk of dementia.
The new study, published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, followed over 13,000 adults aged 45 and older for up to 15 years.
Researchers found that people who reported a higher sense of purpose in life were about 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment — including mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Participants were not specifically asked about the activities that gave their life purpose. Previous studies on aging, though, have found a wide rang of activities give older adults a sense of life purpose, sometimes referred to as “ikigai.” These include:
Relationships: Caring for family, spending time with grandchildren or supporting a spouse or friend.
Work or volunteering: Continuing professional work, mentoring or contributing to community causes.
Spirituality or faith: Religious beliefs, spiritual practices or involvement in faith-based communities.
Personal goals: Pursuing hobbies, learning new skills or setting and achieving personal milestones.
Helping others: Acts of kindness, philanthropy, caregiving or advocacy work.
What Is Ikigai?
Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a deeply rooted Japanese philosophy that translates to a "reason for being" or "that which makes life worth living." It originates from combining iki (life) and gai (value or worth) (Wikipedia, ethify.org).
In Japanese culture, ikigai is about identifying and embracing what gives your life meaning—whether that comes from work, hobbies, relationships, or small daily joys—not necessarily extraordinary achievements. Research links ikigai with longevity and health, especially among Okinawans—who often cite small daily joys and a sense of purpose as keys to their well-being.
Ikigai is more than a goal—it’s an orientation toward life. It’s personal, sometimes modest, and always rooted in what brings inner fulfillment and connection. Whether it’s as simple as tending a garden, helping others, or practicing a craft “properly,” ikigai invites us to live meaningfully, one day at a time. And now it would seem science is backing this mindset.
The information provided by Finnish-American Village is for thought-provoking and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional healthcare. Please consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your personal needs, requirements, and any medical concerns you may have. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider before making any decisions or changes related to your health and well-being.