Having a purpose in life is an indicator of longevity across adulthood, according to a longitudinal study during its 14 year assessment. The study sought to examine whether purpose promotes longevity across the adult years, using data from the longitudinal MIDUS sample.

The study began in 1994-1995 and involved 7,108 participants between the ages of 20–75. Recruitment was based on the study’s original goals.

Among the results of the study over 14 year assessment area:

• 569 participants died (approximately 9% of the sample). 8 died between 28–39 years of age, 38 between 40–49, 93 between 50–59, 156 between 60–69, 194 between 70–79, and 80 died at age 80 or beyond.
• The deceased were significantly older, more likely to be male, less educated, less likely to be employed, but did not differ in race.
• Deceased individuals scored lower on purpose in life and positive relations with others

The results showed that purposeful individuals lived longer than their counterparts. These longevity benefits do not appear to be conditional on either the participants’ age, how long they lived, or whether they had retired from the workforce. It is concluded that a having a purpose appears to widely buffer against mortality risk across the adult years.

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