The Rewards of Finding Purpose in Your 50s

Unfortunately, entering mid-life can come with a smattering of the unwelcome, from muscle aches to menopause. But there is also something uniquely magical about crossing the threshold into our 50s. For the vast majority of women, this can be a time of surprising and substantial change, as certain responsibilities and pursuits begin to peel away from our paths, making space for new adventure. It is not unusual to feel an emboldened drive to live with purpose, even if accompanied by a dash of trepidation, but how exactly does one begin?

Some of us feel ready for this transitional period—whether spurred by children striking out to start families of their own or a change in tempo at work—while others can feel pretty side-swiped. It may be daunting to feel as if the things that defined your days have suddenly been pulled out from under you. This reckoning forces us to take stock, and we might not always like what we discover. The good news, however, is that it is never too late to master living with purpose. In fact, as it just so happens, there couldn't be a better moment than now.

Why Living With Purpose is Healthy

When researchers examined whether there is a pattern connecting those who live with purpose and our ultimate longevity, what they found shocked them. Their studies revealed that having a strong life purpose pointed to a dramatic reduction in risk of death, in particular of cardiovascular disease.

Amazingly, they found the link to be so powerful that a life of purpose seems to be a better predictor of lifespan than whether or not a person drinks, smokes, or exercises enough. Meanwhile, another study demonstrated that being able to live with purpose allows us to enjoy greater emotional resilience too.

But what exactly do we mean by purpose? Well, the longevity researchers defined it as “a self-organizing life aim that stimulates goals.” What this means for each of us is very individual; one person's purpose may be caring for their family, another's could be starting a brand new venture, while yet another's might be doing volunteer work.

Important Questions to Ask Yourself

If you are approaching or have entered your 50s and feel that you have a clear and energizing sense of purpose, then you have certainly moved into the realm of mid-life advantageously. However, if you're not sure if you live with purpose—or even feel pretty certain that you don't—there are simple questions that you can ask yourself to illuminate your standing. This inner probing is ideal for beginning to unfold your deeper wants and desires, allowing you to plot a course that will provide great joy over the decades still to come.

If you think about your daily life, does it feel meaningful, or do you feel as if you are just going through the motions? Those among us who find ourselves feeling somewhat set adrift in our 50s can cast our minds back to the things that got us fired up when we were younger. How close or far are you from the life you wanted? Does it reflect what you want today, or have your priorities shifted?

When it comes to a life with purpose, a vital word to zero in on is fulfillment. When we realize our dreams and find activities that bring us meaning, a sense of fulfillment can become a joyful daily presence. But if that word currently seems unrelatable, your 50s is the perfect time to make some adjustments. Whether you've been so focused on meeting the needs of others that you haven't met your own, or you haven't recently expanded your inner world by learning something new, now is the moment to shake things up and truly live with purpose.

What You Can Do to Start Living with Purpose Today

If you are ready to feel your internal fire ignited and live with purpose in a big way, a simple exercise of self-analysis is called for. That magical je ne sais quoi that will make you feel driven and alive is certainly as unique as you are, so ask yourself these questions to discover which purpose might be your ultimate companion over the years ahead:

• Which experiences and activities have really made you feel alive? Write down the things that you remember feeling passionate about and explore whether you can bring them or something similar back into your life.
• Do you have dreams or curiosities unfulfilled? If you set your dreams aside to start a family or focus on your career, now might be the time to dust them off! List your interests and the things you used to fantasize about to find inspiration.
• What matters and causes mean the most to you? Mobilizing for something close to your heart can take all sorts of different forms. It might be getting involved in philanthropy or local charity work, grassroots organizing to combat injustices, or supporting a loved one through something tough. Turn your talents to what you love and where they are needed most.
• Consider if living with purpose calls for a trade-off. At times, we can be afraid to leap towards what we yearn for because it will mean letting go of something that feels comfortable. There is logic in caution, of course, but also space to examine if an aspect of your current reality can be shed to make more room for a life with purpose.
• Surround yourself with purposeful people. If the people that surround you are determined to stay sitting snugly in their own purposeless rut, then it might be time for a change. There is immense power in surrounding yourself with people who share your passions and sense of purpose. As you look onward to life after 50, make sure that your social circle is filled with true allies, and if necessary, expand your network.

Having begun the process of laying a foundation for your new chapter of life with purpose, the next step is to lean right into it. You might feel tempted to wait for the perfect time, but in truth, that time is as likely to arrive on your doorstep as a unicorn—so it's time to be fearless.

As the saying goes, when it comes to pursuing our dreams, we are far more likely to regret what we didn't do than what we did. The health and happiness-related rewards that come hand-in-hand with living a life with purpose are worth that leap of faith, so take a big breath and go for it!