While we might assume that life satisfaction would lead to a longer life, recent studies suggest that having a purpose in life could be a better indicator. The long-term and wide-ranging study found that people with a life’s purpose lived longer regardless of the demographics. The lead study author says that purpose involves striving for something meaningful and is active, whereas life satisfaction is a passive assessment, and may depend on other things “like your general health, ethnicity, gender, or health risk factors. It’s hard to be satisfied with your life if you struggle with your health. However, you can have a strong purpose, no matter your health status.” The author recommends developing a sense of purpose at any age. “A life of purpose can energize and give hope even during those moments when the conditions of one’s life leave one unsatisfied.”
