Sense of Purpose, Reduced Stress, and Connection as Protective Factors for Longevity: An Exploration of Barriers

ABSTRACT

Background

Utilizing the Blue Zones^Ⓡ framework and the nine lifestyle factors that promote well-being with longevity, an interdisciplinary team of researchers examined protective factors and barriers to engaging in each of the nine lifestyle factors.

Purpose

To report on protective factors and barriers to improving three of the nine lifestyle factors – sense of purpose, stress, and connection.

Methods

Using a mixed-method approach, 185 residents living in a rural community in the mid-southern part of the USA participated in this study via e-mail and social media.

Results

Notable demographic factors including age were significantly associated with fewer obstacles to achieving purpose, reduced stress, and leaving the home regularly. Qualitative responses link disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation to feelings of disconnect.

Discussion

Work, hobbies, and resilience were protective factors to achieving purpose, low stress, and connections.

Translation to Health Education Practice

Barriers (isolation and disruption) were salient during the pandemic. However, direct human interactions mattered in promoting belonging, having a sense of purpose, and reducing stress. Technologies should also be promoted as a necessary alternative in periods like COVID-19, to help communities and senior residents feel engaged and less lonely. Likewise, hobbies, and the resilience of local residents should be highlighted as sources of inspiration to promote healthy lifestyle practices that achieve low stress levels, good relationships, and a sense of purpose.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to all participants in the community who voluntarily participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The dataset generated and/or analyzed during the current study is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.