Co-Written by Connie Colleen Wyatt, Occupational Therapist, and Holly Berard
If you’ve ever noticed that your mom seems sharper when she has lunch plans—or that your dad moves a little faster when he’s heading out to the garage to “tinker”—you’ve already seen purpose in action.
Purpose isn’t fluffy. It’s protective.
In the world of aging in place, having a reason to get up in the morning is more than a nice sentiment. Research shows that a strong sense of purpose is associated with lower risk of cognitive decline, reduced mortality, and better overall health outcomes. A large study published in JAMA Network Open found that adults with a higher sense of purpose had a significantly lower risk of death from all causes (Alimujiang et al., 2019). Purpose, quite literally, helps people live longer.
So how does this fit into “bulletproof aging”? Let’s connect the dots.
Purpose Gets You Outside
When someone has something meaningful to do—volunteering, gardening, meeting friends—they naturally spend more time out in the world. That sunshine walk to the community center? Bonus vitamin D. Fresh air, light exposure, and mild activity all support mood and circadian rhythm (hello, better sleep).
Purpose quietly nudges people outdoors without it feeling like “exercise.”
And here in the Pacific Northwest, we truly have no excuse—the beauty does half the work for us. From evergreen-lined trails and coastal sunsets to mountain views that stop you mid-sentence, the scenery itself invites you outside. Research shows that exposure to natural environments can lower stress, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive function. Sometimes the most therapeutic intervention isn’t complicated—it’s stepping outside, breathing in that crisp PNW air, and letting a beautiful view remind you why it’s worth staying active and engaged.
Purpose Fuels Movement and Strength
No one wakes up at 75 thinking, “I can’t wait to work on my glute strength today.” But they might think, “I need to stay strong so I can babysit my grandkids,” or “I want to keep hiking this trail.”
When movement is tied to meaning, adherence skyrockets. Strength training, balance work, and daily activity become tools—not chores. This is one reason communities like Strength in Aging Squad resonate with so many adults. It’s not just about reps and sets; it’s about maintaining independence and capability.
And independence? That’s deeply purposeful.
Purpose Improves Nutrition (Yes, Really)
People who feel connected and engaged are more likely to prepare balanced meals, eat socially, and maintain routines. On the flip side, isolation often leads to skipped meals or “toast for dinner again.”
Shared meals strengthen relationships and support better nutrition. Purpose creates structure, and structure supports healthier choices.
Purpose Strengthens Cognition
Meaningful activities challenge the brain in ways crossword puzzles alone cannot. Planning events, mentoring younger generations, managing a garden, serving on a committee—these require executive function, memory, organization, and social processing.
Cognitive stimulation embedded in real life is powerful. It’s not just brain games; it’s life engagement.
Purpose and Sleep? Connected.
When days are structured and fulfilling, nights tend to follow. Regular activity, social interaction, and exposure to daylight all regulate sleep cycles. A meaningful day reduces rumination and improves rest quality.
And as we know, sleep is foundational for brain health, emotional regulation, and physical recovery.
Where Occupational Therapy Comes In
Here’s where occupational therapy shines.
Occupational therapists (OTs) don’t just help people recover from injury. We help people maintain and rediscover purpose. That might mean:
- Modifying a beloved hobby after arthritis sets in
- Adapting the home so someone can continue gardening safely
- Building strength and balance to return to volunteer work
- Supporting routines after a hospitalization
- Coaching families on how to encourage independence without over-helping
For adult children (40s–60s), this matters. Instead of focusing solely on “What help does Mom need?” we can ask, “What matters most to her—and how do we protect that?”
For adults aging in place (60s–90s), purpose may evolve—but it never disappears. It might look different at 85 than it did at 45, but it is still there, waiting to be nurtured.
Bulletproof aging isn’t about avoiding aging. It’s about building resilience across movement, nutrition, connection, sleep, strength, and cognition—anchored by meaning.
Because the goal isn’t just to live longer.
It’s to live longer with a reason to get up tomorrow.
C²
connie@pnwhomeforlife.com
360-770-1752
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