Will I live longer if I have a sense of purpose in life?
A strong sense of purpose in life is associated with a lower risk of premature death, but whether the relationship is also causal is not yet known. Still, there is no reason to avoid cultivating a sense of purpose: the association is consistent and robust.
People with a strong sense of purpose in life die less often than those who lack it, according to two large American long-term studies with a follow-up period of 12 to 14 years. This association held up after the researchers accounted for existing illnesses and other risk factors. Exact figures such as 'you live X years longer' were not reported, but the statistical difference was clearly present.
Interesting is the so-called 'buffer effect': people in poor health normally face a higher risk of dying, but a strong sense of purpose noticeably dampens that risk. In other words, if you experience your health as poor, a clear sense of direction in life appears to absorb some of the damage. This held true across nearly all groups studied, with one exception: among Black participants in one of the studies, this protective pattern was not observed.
An important caveat: these are observational studies. They show that purpose in life and longer survival go together, but they do not prove that one causes the other. People who are healthier to begin with, or who have more social support, may on average also report a stronger sense of purpose. Whether training or strengthening one's sense of purpose actually extends lives has not yet been demonstrated in controlled research.
Two large American longitudinal studies (HRS and MIDUS), follow-up 12-14 years, associational design. No absolute effect size in years reported. One PMID (37372758).
Do I live longer with more social contact?
More social contact is associated with a longer lifespan, but the effect is far more specific than you might think: the type of contact and your sex make a difference, and quality counts more than quantity.
Does having a pet benefit your health and longevity?
A pet can contribute to more physical activity, less loneliness, and a better sense of wellbeing, but whether it also extends your lifespan has not yet been demonstrated. If you are considering a pet primarily for your health, a dog is the best-supported choice, but weigh the practical burdens as well.
Do you age faster if you have chronic pain?
Chronic pain is linked to faster biological ageing, primarily through reduced physical activity and the side effects of medications. If you have long-term pain, it is worth working with your doctor to find ways to stay active nonetheless.
Do your eyes age faster than the rest of your body?
The lens of the eye ages noticeably early and quickly, but whether your eyes as a whole age faster than the rest of your body has not been demonstrated. The retina actually reveals a great deal about your overall health, so the two track more closely together than you might think.
How do I keep my kidneys healthy as I age?
The two best-supported steps to limit kidney damage as you age are keeping your blood pressure under control and exercising regularly. Moderate salt intake and a healthy weight demonstrably contribute to both.
How do I keep my eyes healthy and prevent cataracts or macular degeneration?
Protect your eyes with UV-filtering glasses, a diet rich in vegetables and fruit, good diabetes management and regular eye check-ups. If cataracts have advanced significantly, surgery is the only proven solution.