The surprising link between purpose and healthy aging
Aug 24, 2026 12:22 am
Happy Sunday, !
The people who age well aren’t just doing the right workouts or eating the right foods.
They have something else.
They have something they’re working toward.
A reason to get up in the morning that goes beyond “I should take care of myself.”
There’s real science behind it.
You may have heard of the Japanese concept called ikigai—
which means "a reason for living" or "a life worth living.”
While this sounds nice and philosophical…
Research has linked a strong sense of purpose to:
31% lower risk of developing a functional disability
36% lower risk of developing dementia
In a study of over 43,000 adults, those without a clear sense of purpose had a significantly higher risk of early death—especially from cardiovascular disease.
Other studies have backed this up.
So what does this actually look like in real life? It could be…
A goal that genuinely excites you.
Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to learn, a new skill you want to tackle, a cause that has meaning for you, or a creative pursuit.
A deeper connection to your faith or values. Spending more intentional time with God, your family, your community.
Living more aligned with what matters most to you.
A reason to stay engaged. A project, a hobby, a challenge. Something that pulls you forward instead of just maintaining where you are
So… what are you working toward?
I’d love to hear about it! Hit “reply” and let me know.
Keep up the good work,
Coach Lu
Ludwight Rigueur, SMTh, SMTr, LMT, PMT, Qigong Instructor
Rigueur Soma Performance
w: https://www.rsomaperformance.com/
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