Do you know your meaning in life? The answer can determine your health and sense of well-being. Recent research published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that the presence and search for meaning in life play an important role in our health and well-being, especially among people who are older than 60 years. [1]
The team took its data from the Successful AGing Evaluation —a multicohort study of adult residents from San Diego County, California, from January 2013 to June 2014. 1,042 participants were assessed and analyzed for the study. The participants had to fill a questionnaire on the presence or search of meaning in life. Their physical and mental well-being was evaluated through a health Survey. The team also conducted telephone surveys to assess the cognitive functioning of the participants.
The study found that the presence of meaning in life is linked to better physical and mental well-being, while the search for meaning in life seems to be associated with worse mental well-being and cognitive functioning. The results were also linked to one’s age. The team found that the association with the presence of meaning in life peaked at 60, while reaching the lowest point for its search.
