Have you ever wondered why some individuals seem to defy aging, remaining vibrant and engaged well into their later years? Could the secret to longevity be as simple as having a reason to get up in the morning? Studies have shown that a strong sense of purpose can significantly impact one’s health and lifespan. For instance, research indicates that individuals with a higher sense of purpose have a 20% to 34% reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Moreover, purposeful living has been linked to better mental health, including lower rates of depression and anxiety. But how does one cultivate such purpose? Is it through career achievements, personal relationships, or community involvement? Exploring these questions can shed light on the profound effects of purposeful living. Let us look deeper into this topic to uncover insights and practical advice on embracing purpose for a healthier, longer life.

Find Your True Purpose

If you want to leave a meaningful and lasting impact as you age, find something that truly matters to you and throw yourself into it. Purpose is everything. When I was diagnosed over seven years ago, I was told I had as little as six months to live. The best advice I got wasn’t about medicine or treatments—it was to have something to live for. My family, friends, and our adventures gave me that, but so did building Aura.

Aura wasn’t just a business idea; it was something that kept me going. It challenged me, sharpened my mind, and gave me a reason to get up every morning. And because it mattered to me, it mattered to others. The support we received on Crowdcube in 2020 was proof of that. Investors took a chance on us, and now their share value has increased tenfold. That’s the power of real purpose.

So, if you want to make an impact, find what drives you. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it won’t come. Just start. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and put in the work. It’s not about how much time you have—it’s about what you do with it.

Paul Jameson, Founder, Aura Funerals

Invest in the Next Generation

While it might sound cliche, my strongest advice is to invest in the next generation. Informally mentor or coach those “up-and-coming” stars in your industry or area of expertise. Have a monthly call or face-to-face conversation with them. I find that just being there to listen means so much to them. Then, when the moment is right, offer your insights or guidance. Also encourage them. Many of those who are younger don’t get enough encouragement in their work or peer relationships. I still remember many of the “older” people who spoke into my life when I was young.

Jones Loflin, Keynote Speaker and Author, Helping Others Prepare for Excellence

Embrace Digital Storytelling

Leaving a meaningful and lasting impact isn’t about chasing relevance—it’s about embracing your evolution, sharing your wisdom, and using your voice in ways that matter.

As a 54-year-old digital creator, author, and linguistic engineer, I’ve learned that impact isn’t tied to age—it’s tied to purpose, consistency, and reinvention. The world is changing, and so are we. The key is to stay open to growth while honoring the experiences that shaped you.

Three Principles for Making a Lasting Impact

1. Embrace Digital Storytelling – In today’s world, impact is amplified through digital platforms. Whether through content creation, writing, podcasting, or mentoring, your voice can reach people across generations and continents. Don’t let outdated narratives about age limit your ability to engage, influence, and inspire.

2. Focus on Legacy, Not Just Success – True impact is about what you leave behind—not in material wealth, but in knowledge, energy, and transformation. For me, writing about inner child healing under my pen name, S. M. Weng, is part of my legacy. Helping others heal and evolve means my words will outlive me, creating ripple effects in ways I may never fully see.

3. Prioritize Inner Growth – As we age, the greatest shifts come from within. Healing old wounds, letting go of outdated expectations, and stepping fully into who we are meant to be allows us to influence others from a place of authenticity, not obligation. The more aligned you are with yourself, the stronger and more lasting your impact will be.

Age is not a barrier to influence—it’s an accelerator of wisdom. The world needs more people who are fearless in their reinvention, generous in their knowledge, and committed to lifting others up. Your impact will last as long as your willingness to evolve, contribute, and inspire.

Susye Weng-Reeder, CEO | Google Verified Public Figure | Author | Creator, Susye Weng-Reeder, LLC

Volunteer for Personal Growth

Volunteer service is good for the doer. Sure it’s good for the recipients, the researchers, the environment, the pets, and so on. But also consider how you can benefit from these acts of altruistic service. Offering your time and talent in ways that demonstrate their value creates a known enhancement to our personal self-image. As you explore these opportunities, also consider how the service coordinates with your personal goal of leaving a meaningful and lasting impact on the world. 

At any age we can begin to consider our role as a volunteer and valued citizen to our community. We will be developing a new role identity and seeking repeated opportunities to serve. As we age, we may enter the time of retirement from traditional work, yet never intending to be idle.

Ashley Kenny, Co-Founder, Heirloom Video Books

Focus on Daily Actions

If you want to leave a meaningful, lasting impact, start by forgetting about legacy altogether. Seriously. The problem with most people’s approach is they’re obsessed with how they’ll be remembered, instead of focusing on how they’re living. Impact isn’t something you build and stash away for later. It’s something you create in real-time, every day, through small, intentional actions.

Here’s the trick: Build systems, not monuments. Instead of chasing grand accomplishments, focus on creating processes that keep generating positive results even when you’re not around. This could be as simple as developing a mentorship program, creating educational content that outlives you, or designing a business model that empowers others instead of just lining your pockets.

Personally, I shifted my mindset from trying to leave a big mark to setting up systems that work even when I’m not directly involved. The difference? I’m no longer tied to a specific project or outcome. I’m focused on creating tools and resources that allow other people to excel. The best part is, the impact grows exponentially because other people keep building on top of what I started.

The real legacy is in the infrastructure you leave behind—not the credit you get for it. And the sooner you realize that, the sooner you’ll start making a real difference.

Austin Benton, Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists

Prioritize Consistency and Purpose

Leaving a meaningful and lasting impact comes down to consistency, purpose, and the willingness to keep evolving. One of the best pieces of advice I’d give is to focus on impact over recognition. The most influential people aren’t always the loudest—they’re the ones who show up every day, add value, and genuinely help others without expecting instant rewards.

Finding a cause or passion that aligns with your skills and values is key. Whether it’s mentoring, creating, or leading, small, intentional actions over time create a legacy. I’ve seen firsthand how sharing knowledge—whether through writing, teaching, or community work—can shape industries and lives long after you’re gone.

Another critical factor is adapting to change. The world evolves, and those who continue learning and adjusting their approach leave the deepest impact. It’s not about chasing success but about consistently contributing, uplifting others, and making a difference in ways that matter to you. Your impact isn’t measured by how many people know your name—it’s by how many lives you’ve truly touched.

Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER

Be Intentional with Your Time

What a beautiful question. As someone in my mid-thirties, I think about this often. Fifteen years ago, I was full of curiosity and ambition, chasing goals that felt urgent and all-consuming. But now, with a fuller picture of life, my perspective has shifted. Fifteen years from now, I’ll be half a century old, and what truly matters to me has become much clearer.

Lately, I’ve felt a deep pull toward more emotionally meaningful activities—prioritizing time with friends, truly showing up for people, and strengthening lifelong bonds. I no longer take gatherings or deep connections for granted. Time with my children has also become sacred. I’ve learned the hard way that there isn’t always a “later.” When my eldest was younger, I crammed my schedule, constantly caught up in the hustle, and missed out on moments I can never get back. I won’t make that mistake again.

If I had to give advice to someone who wants to leave a meaningful and lasting impact, it would be this: Be intentional with your time. Relationships, kindness, and the way you make people feel will outlive any job title or material success. Show up, not just for the big moments but for the small, everyday ones too. And most importantly, don’t wait to start, because later isn’t always guaranteed.

Doreen Nunez, Founder & Creative Director, Mommy Rheum

Live with Purpose and Authenticity

Making a lasting impact starts with living in a way that reflects what truly matters. From my experience, the best way to create meaningful change is to stay connected to your values and take care of your well-being. When you are physically and mentally strong, you have more energy to help others and inspire positive change. Small, everyday actions—such as kindness, patience, and leading by example—can have a greater effect than grand gestures. It’s not about making a single big move but about consistently showing up with a positive mindset and a desire to contribute. When you live with purpose and authenticity, your actions naturally leave a mark on the people around you.

I believe a true legacy comes from sharing knowledge, offering support, and being present for others. Teaching, mentoring, and encouraging people in simple ways can shape lives more than we realize. Being open to learning and growth allows our influence to evolve with time. Every conversation, act of kindness, or lesson shared has the power to inspire. The way we treat others and the love we bring into the world will always be remembered. In the end, impact is not just about what we achieve but about how we uplift others and the values we leave behind.

Aspen Noonan, CEO, Elevate Holistics

Build Strong Relationships

Meaningful impact requires sustained effort and clear intent. The most influential people don’t wait for perfect conditions—they act with purpose every day. 

Invest in relationships. Change occurs through individuals, not alone. Build a network of individuals who share your values, question your assumptions, and urge you to expand your horizons. Powerful networks extend reach, opening doors to partnerships and long-term impact. 

Prioritize action over ideas. Many people have great intentions but never execute. The difference between leaving a mark and being forgotten is follow-through. Set measurable goals, track progress, and adjust strategies as needed. 

Give more than you take. Contributions—whether knowledge, mentorship, or resources–create ripple effects. Focus on value creation rather than short-term gain. Those who consistently offer solutions and support earn trust, which fuels long-term impact. 

Think long-term but act daily. Legacy isn’t built overnight. Small, disciplined actions compound. Whether it’s leading a business with integrity, mentoring young professionals, or supporting a cause, consistency matters more than scale. 

Avoid complacency. Most slow down with age, but those who leave a lasting legacy never cease learning. Remain curious, question assumptions, and learn to cope with evolving realities. To stay current is best accomplished by continuing to evolve.

Alec Loeb, VP of Growth Marketing, EcoATM

Align Giving with Personal Values

As someone who has spent months working at a legacy tech company, I can attest to the importance of strategic philanthropy. One unique piece of advice I would offer is to align your charitable giving with your personal values and experiences. Draw upon the anecdotes and insights you’ve gained throughout your life and career.

For example, witnessing the transformative power of technology firsthand has inspired me to support initiatives that bridge the digital divide. By funding programs that provide underprivileged communities with access to computers and internet connectivity, you can open doors to education, employment, and overall empowerment. Identify the causes that resonate most deeply with you and channel your resources accordingly. That’s how you can leave an indelible mark on the world.

Huma Shaikh, SEO Consultant, Mitt Arv

Volunteer Your Time

Although we are often asked to donate money, perhaps the best way to directly leave a meaningful and lasting impact on the world as you age is to volunteer your time to a charitable cause. While providing money to worthy causes is important and should be encouraged, having direct contact with those you are assisting can truly change lives.

Giving your time to work with others, to assist when help is needed, to provide support and a friendly face, and to provide the wisdom of your accumulated experience not only directly impacts those you are helping but will also pay forward as those you help will be able to assist others through their efforts. So while giving funds is certainly important to helping others, giving your time has the most lasting impact on the world as we age.

Robert Applebaum, CEO & Plastic Surgeon, Beverly Hills Breast Reduction Center

Act with Purpose Daily

Impact comes from action, not intention. Influence is built through daily choices, not grand gestures. A legacy of value is not about money or fame but about the lives transformed along the way. Standing up for the weak, teaching the next generation, or holding the line when faced with injustice—these acts reveal lasting importance.

Experience comes with age, but its worth relies on how one applies it. Thurgood Marshall reshaped civil rights through relentless legal battles. Bryan Stevenson has freed the wrongly convicted through unwavering dedication. Their impact did not come from status but from persistence. Influence does not come from observation; it comes from engagement.  

Time is the most limited asset. Every decision either strengthens or weakens a legacy. Speaking up when others remain silent, guiding those who seek direction, and standing firm when justice wavers—these choices shape what remains long after a lifetime ends.

Steven Rodemer, Owner and Attorney, Rodemer & Kane

Share Your Insights

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below:

• What other ideas or perspectives would you add to the discussion?
• What are your thoughts or experiences on this topic?
• Have you encountered something similar or different?

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