A wise person once said that old age is not a calendar but a character. If you want to be an old person — you will be. If not — you won’t. And this is not about physicality, but about your appetite for life.

We need a sense of purpose at every stage of life, including the last one. A sense of meaning motivates us to act, to grow, and to enjoy what we have been given. That’s why it’s good to say to yourself: I’m 60, 80, 90 years old — and I am beginning a new chapter of my life

A Life Purpose Improves Mental and Physical Health

Having a purpose improves both mental and physical health. Studies show that older adults with a clearly defined life purpose have lower stress levels, stronger immunity, and are less prone to depression.

You probably know people whose professional work was their only driving force. When it ended, they began to fade — with no interests and no readiness for change.

And it is never too late for change.

Age Doesn’t Have to Be an Obstacle

Age doesn’t have to be an obstacle to learning new things, creating, or engaging socially. Older people who have plans and challenges tend to remain active both mentally and physically.

And this directly supports their fitness and improves their quality of life. They can remain independent — and even help someone who has decided to simply “get through” the rest of their life, sometimes for many long years.

A Life Purpose Helps Us Through Difficult Moments

Having a purpose has another great advantage: it helps us get through difficult moments — aging, losing loved ones, or facing health problems. It helps us maintain a sense of self-worth, something we all deeply need, no matter our age.

Personal Growth Has No Age Limits

In short, starting a new chapter at the age of 70 is proof that personal growth and courage have no age limits. It is also an inspiration for younger generations.

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Text prepared by Ania Lenar, journalist and volunteer

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