{"id":76289,"date":"2020-03-20T06:23:54","date_gmt":"2020-03-20T06:23:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/2020\/03\/20\/having-meaning-in-life-is-good-for-health\/"},"modified":"2020-03-20T06:23:54","modified_gmt":"2020-03-20T06:23:54","slug":"having-meaning-in-life-is-good-for-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/having-meaning-in-life-is-good-for-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Having meaning in life is good for health"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Do you have a <em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>meaning in life<\/strong><\/span><\/em>? You may be healthier than others. The relation between good health and finding life\u2019s meaning has been much discussed since three decades with new insights from medical research. A recent investigation at the University of California,\u00a0San Diego School of\u00a0Medicine revealed having a meaning in <a href=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/life\/good-and-bad-experiences-complete-your-life-and-make-it-meaningful\"><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>life<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/a> is healthy.\u00a0 It is not just a philosophical concept. It has much to do with <a href=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/globalhealthcare\/health-and-happiness-how-intertwined-are-these\"><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>happiness<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/a> and even the survival chances of a human being.\u00a0 <!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Dilip V Jeste, MD, Senior Associate Dean for the centre of Healthy Ageing and Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the UC San Diego School of medicine supports having a meaning in life.\u00a0 According to him, those having it are healthier and more contented than directionless unfortunates.\u00a0However, the psychology of life is complex and it may not be easy for all to realize the link between meaning in life and good health.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Meaning in life -What is it anyway?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-76399\" src=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/confused-handsome-male.jpg\" alt=\"confused handsome male\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/confused-handsome-male.jpg 800w, https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/confused-handsome-male-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/confused-handsome-male-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>The eminent wellbeing researcher Laura King and colleagues add a new connotation. It is the feeling of one\u2019s life being important and purposeful extending over instantaneous bliss. There are three major constituents to the meaning:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Purpose,\u00a0having a finite objective in life<\/li>\n<li>Sense, the extent to which we feel our life has dignity and importance.<\/li>\n<li>Consistency,\u00a0understanding that one\\&#8217;s life is mapped out in a visible direction. It is constructive adding value to self and society.\u00a0 It is not like a rudderless ship sailing aimlessly in an ocean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Life has a purpose:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-76318\" src=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/aging-individuals-could-identify-their-meaning-in-life.jpg\" alt=\"aging individuals could identify their meaning in life\" width=\"800\" height=\"594\" \/>Life indeed has a purpose and those who understand it live with zest. They have mapped their entire life on a definite pathway.\u00a0 What to achieve in which age and where would they reach after a passage of finite time is visible to them. However, at the initial start, we are in the search of meaning in life. As we age, the intensity of search diminishes and we approach towards the realization.<\/p>\n<p>By the time we reach 55-60 years,\u00a0there is nothing more to search.\u00a0 We have attained the right age and if we have planned our life well, the goal is right here. Research conducted and published over the internet in the 10<sup>th<\/sup> December 2019 edition of The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry hit upon significant findings.<\/p>\n<p>The meaning in life is linked to better <a href=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/guide\/going-green-also-good-for-mental-health\/\"><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>mental<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/a> potential, exuberance and optimism.\u00a0 The study group also worked out a graphical representation regarding the search for the meaning of life and the presence of meaning of life. Both were plotted against progressive age groups.\u00a0 The presence of meaning in life displayed a downside up U shaped relationship with age. On the contrary, the search for meaning of life showed a U shaped relationship. This means, with aging individuals could identify their meaning in life and therefore the search for it is less.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The saturation age:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-76310\" src=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/middle-age-couple-1.jpg\" alt=\"middle age couple\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/>The psychology of life is not even throughout your lifeline.\u00a0 What is significant today may lose importance five years later.\u00a0 People in the quest for finding the meaning of life may eventually locate it when they touch 60 years.\u00a0 Then the search ceases to exist as you have found what life is all about.<\/p>\n<p>A survey was carried out in the US sampling candidates ranging between 21 years and more than 100 years! They found that when candidates hit upon middle age they were the most satisfied lot. They have attained whatever aspirations and achievements of life.\u00a0 Now as the age progressed beyond the middle age, physical inabilities took over. Satisfaction and health gradually started to go downhill.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Living with a purpose linked to longevity:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-76317\" src=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/potent-a-killer.jpg\" alt=\"Woman smoking a cigarette\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/>Studies further found that people who lived with a purpose and had meaning were mentally and physically much sound.\u00a0 Conversely, people lacking an objective to chase died young.\u00a0\u00a0 Another survey conducted earlier this year taking a sample of 7000 middle-aged US citizens had similar conclusions.<\/p>\n<p>Samples lacking a strong life purpose stood more than twice a chance of dying within a 5 year period; the cause of death is mostly from heart-related issues. This relationship existed irrespective of race, sex, level of literacy and affluence. It was also found that lacking a purpose in life is as potent a killer as is smoking, drinking and a sedentary lifestyle.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Finding life\u2019s meaning &#8211; is it a component of \u00a0the wellbeing puzzle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-51808\" src=\"https:\/\/diyhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Stay-Healthy-Over-50-800x532.jpg\" alt=\"A healthy lifestyle\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" \/>Psychology professor Andrew Steptoe and senior research Associate Daisy Fancourt from University College London conducted a study on this.\u00a0 7304 UK residents in the age group of 50 plus were selected.\u00a0 A range of questions were framed for them evaluating social, financial, health and physical activity profiles.<\/p>\n<p>The basic intent was to what extent they feel the things they do in life are productive.\u00a0 A follow up was made three years later with the same profiles.\u00a0 One crucial question shot was, do having a meaning and purpose in life buy a few years in the last lap?<\/p>\n<p>Responses were collected and analyzed and showed that samples with a higher meaning in life had:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A reduced chance of divorce<\/li>\n<li>Reduced risk of isolation<\/li>\n<li>Heightened social connectivity<\/li>\n<li>Reduced risk of chronic illness and depression<\/li>\n<li>A\u00a0healthy body weight and physical activity<\/li>\n<li>A healthy lifestyle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In a nutshell, people having a meaning in life spent quality life blessed with health,\u00a0wellness and content.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Having a purpose in life benefits your health:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-76316\" src=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/tension.jpg\" alt=\"tension\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/>Having a definite and constructive goal in life welcomes positive psychology.\u00a0 Studies show that it promotes your health in the following ways:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Being aware of a strong purpose in life helps you rise above petty regular issues that cause tension. When you can see the bigger picture, chronic troubles get dwarfed.\u00a0 Consequently, your stress level drops.<\/li>\n<li>Having a purpose in life makes you more prepared for oncoming challenges.\u00a0 You cope better with adverse situations.\u00a0 An experiment on arthritis patients revealed those living with a strong sense of purpose were doing better post surgery.<\/li>\n<li>People living with a focus looked after themselves well. They believed that a healthy body and mind would help them achieve the desired goal in a reasonable time. Consequently, they radiated sound mental and physical health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Happiness and meaning of life &#8211; are they two sides of the same coin?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-76312\" src=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/Happiness-and-meaning-of-life.jpg\" alt=\"Happiness and meaning of life\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/>Happiness and realizing the meaning of life often go hand in hand.\u00a0 Usually, when the later is realized the former cannot lag far behind.\u00a0 But often the two may not be inclusive of one another as the studies suggest.\u00a0 A research conducted by the social psychologist Roy Baumeister and the team show satisfaction of basic need increases happiness.<\/p>\n<p>But it may not always promote the purpose for which you are here on earth. As a comparison, if you try to see the connection across your past, present and future, it may clarify your vision of life.\u00a0 It may not bring happiness at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>A state of connection with others may give room to both life\u2019s meaning and happiness though they may not be synchronized at a common point of time.\u00a0 A case in point is a farmer striving hard to give his son the best education possible.\u00a0 Here happiness is not instant. The poor man makes a lot of sacrifices to find his life\u2019s purpose.<\/p>\n<p>When the son grows up to become a figure of substantial social standing, happiness to the parents comes in a much-magnified proportion. The poor farmer had comprehended the psychology of life early. He had found the meaning first and later the consequent happiness!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The meaning of life and stress hormone:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-76315\" src=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/heart-related-issues.jpg\" alt=\"heart related issues\" width=\"800\" height=\"917\" \/>A study conducted by A Rozanski of Mt. Sinai, St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital shows a link between physical health and purpose of life.\u00a0 In his paper put on public view in 2016 in the journal of psychosomatic medicine, he displayed cases from 10 separate studies.\u00a0 It showed those having purpose of life had reduced mortality rate and heart related issues.<\/p>\n<p>Although more research is needed to establish the connection between meaning of life and wellbeing moves in positive direction.\u00a0 It is imperative to see if stress hormone and purpose and meaning in life do share a significant physiological connection.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Motivation towards life\u2019s purpose triggers physical workouts:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-76313\" src=\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/03\/physical-exercise.jpg\" alt=\"physical exercise\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/>Studies suggest that if you have a meaning in life, you nurture yourself towards physical and mental development. You realize you have some concrete accomplishments to achieve.\u00a0 You need a mind and body beaming with full potential. This realization inspires you to physical exercise. It is very important that on what positive perspective your mind works on.<\/p>\n<p>Another finding is close relationship of purpose of life with a reduced manifest of pro-inflammatory genes. Purpose in life decreases cortisol level and reduces pro-inflamatory cytokines. When inflammation in your system is low, you are healthy.\u00a0 Cardiovascular and immune related disorders stay away from you. You feel tranquil and happy that indeed life has a purpose!<\/p>\n<!--CusAds0-->\n<div style=\"font-size: 0px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0; padding: 0; clear: both;\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you have a meaning in life? You may be healthier than others. The relation between good health and finding [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":76401,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,46],"tags":[9,974,975,976,977,17],"class_list":["post-76289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-popular","category-healthy-living","tag-featured","tag-life-has-a-purpose","tag-meaning-in-life","tag-positive-psychology","tag-psychology-of-life","tag-top"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76289","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76289"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76289\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/76401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/healthguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}