Looking after their grandchildren ‘helps elderly live longer’

 Pensioners who feel they have a purpose in life have double the chance of enjoying a long retirement, researchers found.

A study of more than 6,000 older people found a “significant” link between having goals and long-term survival. Those who had responsibilities, such as looking after grandchildren or volunteering, were less likely to die early.

Even those without these stimulations can train themselves to live more purposeful lives and reduce the risk of illness and early death, researchers said.

University of Michigan scientists found death from heart and circulatory conditions was a particular driver of the link between having a low sense of purpose and mortality. This may be partly explained by the fact that pensioners who do not feel motivated tend to live less healthily. Scientists pointed to research linking a stronger sense of wellbeing with a decrease in the expression of genes linked to illness. Prof Celeste Leigh Pearce said: “A growing body of literature suggests having a sense of purpose in life is associated with both physical and mental health and overall quality of life.” The study is published in JAMA Network Open.