Cohort2019 · JAMA Netw Open · Alimujiang A et al.
Alimujiang: lack of life purpose means 2.4× mortality after 50
Who, how long
6,985 US adults 50+ (Health and Retirement Study), 2006–2010, 4 years of follow-up
What they found
The fifth with the lowest purpose scores had 2.4× the mortality of the highest, adjusted for age, sex, education, health status and depression; the link is strongest for cardiovascular and digestive deaths. The effect is dose-dependent and appears within 4 years.
⚠ Caveat
Observational: hidden illness may lower the sense of purpose (reverse causation), though adjustment and the 4-year lag temper this. “Raising purpose” as an intervention isn't yet proven in an RCT.
Related in the knowledge base
Last reviewed: 6 September 2026
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