“A higher sense of purpose in life has been linked with reduced risk of age-related chronic health conditions that share elevated inflammation as a key risk factor (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, and diabetes).”

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“While prior research has documented cross-sectional associations between higher sense of purpose and lower inflammation, few studies have examined the association between purpose and changes in inflammation over time.”

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“We tested if a higher sense of purpose was prospectively associated with lower likelihood of developing unhealthy C-reactive protein levels in older adults who initially had healthy C-reactive protein levels.”

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“Participants were 6925 adults aged greater than 50 in the Health and Retirement Study who were followed for 8 years.”

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“Findings suggest that a higher versus lower sense of purpose is associated with lower inflammation levels in older men.”

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A.J. Guimond, et al

Sense of purpose in life and inflammation in healthy older adults: A longitudinal study

Psychneuroendocrinology — Volume 141 — July 2022