Albert King, one of the greatest Black songwriters, once said in his song Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, said, “Everybody wants to live, but nobody wants to die.” Through these words, King reminds us of an undeniable truth: we all want to live as long as we can.
But what does it really mean to live—not just survive, but thrive—as we get older? I’m not only asking about aging in the physical sense, but about the deeper question of finding meaning and purpose in life.
Aging goes beyond just keeping up with doctor’s appointments. According to HelpGuide, it’s about living with intention, discovering new passions, and staying active—physically, mentally ,and socially.
Purposeful living is the foundation of a fulfilling aging experience. This is especially true within the Black community, where older adults often face unique social and cultural challenges.
The Silent Struggle of Aging in the Black Community
For many, when they hear ‘aging,’ the first thing that comes to mind is decline, slowing down, or fading to the background. But what if I told you that your later years can be the most fulfilling? What if I tell you that old age could be filled with purpose, passion, and connection?
According to the World Health Organization, the global population of people over 60 years is expected to nearly double, from 12% to 22%, by 2050. However, what proportion of older adults in the Black community will be living a fulfilling life?
Why Aging Hits Us Harder
Studies from the National Institute on Aging say that Black adults are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and 35% less likely to be diagnosed when compared to individuals in the white community. Structural racism in healthcare, economic differences, and under-resourced and chronic stress are some of the reasons for accelerating cognitive decline.
Many times, elderly Black individuals face isolation, limited access to quality care, and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health. The result? Purpose and wellness will be a long mile, even when the desire is there.
The Path Forward: Finding Purpose, Joy, and Connection
As Black folks, we should aim to not just survive but thrive as we age. The following tips can help:
1. Discover Your Purpose
A 2019 article in Harvard Health Publishing states that people with a sense of purpose in life will not only enjoy a longer life but also better physical health and emotional well-being. Several scientific publications, like the ones from NIH, JAMA, Geripal, and ScienceDaily, all agree that older people who have a purpose in life are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia and are more likely to recover from illness.
View purpose like an internal compass—it gives you direction, even when you’re at a point where you feel lost. It provides reasons to get out of bed, stay active, make decisions, and socialize.
And do you know the most beautiful thing about finding purpose? It doesn’t have to be something groundbreaking. Purpose can be something as simple as a small daily routine, creative passion, or even a relationship.
2. Explore Hobbies
Every May is Older Americans Month, and September is Healthy Aging Month in the United States, but we don’t need to wait just once or twice a year to campaign for healthy aging. Get creative, play, and enjoy the simple things of life. Here are some hobbies you can try:
- Painting
- Dancing
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Knitting
- Starting a morning ritual
- Joining a local hobby or art group
- Writing recipes or traditions to pass on
Did you know that, according to ScienceDirect, engaging in these simple activities can stimulate cognitive functions and reduce both stress and depression?
In May, the message to the aging Black community should be that pleasure and play are not just for Gen Z; they are a crucial tool for healthy aging.
3. Leverage the Power of Volunteering and Mentorship
There is something deeply fulfilling about knowing that the life you are living can continue to inspire others way after you have gone. That’s the beauty of mentorship and volunteering. Both offer opportunities to connect, serve, and pass down wisdom that lives on for many generations. This wisdom nourishes not only others but also your well-being.
Volunteering is way more than helping others; it enables you to reaffirm your purpose and support your well-being, according to the Mayo Clinic Health System. Being part of a community clean-up, organizing an event, or assisting in the community school, just by showing up, brings positive vibes, history, and a perspective that can’t be replaced. It also helps to counteract loneliness by building real connections with others and providing a sense of belonging.
It’s Time to Redefine Aging for Ourselves and Our Communities
Healthy aging is not about eating well and exercising; it’s about living a purposeful life. It’s about giving back, staying curious, finding joy, and knowing that your life is meaningful, even in old age.
For our community, aging comes with an added layer of struggles, but despite these struggles, we have immense power when we work together.
So, when asked what you’re doing in your golden years, beam a smile and say, “I’m living a purposeful life, and I’m just getting started.”
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check these additional resources:
- Becoming a Caregiver to an Aging Parent. https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/caregiver/
- Ageing and Health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
- Staying Healthy as You Age. https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/staying-healthy-as-you-age
- Will a Purpose-Driven Life Help You Live Longer? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/will-a-purpose-driven-life-help-you-live-longer-2019112818378
- Sense of Purpose in Life is Associated with Lower Risk of Incident Dementia: A Meta-Analysis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8887819/
- Effect of a Purpose in Life on Risk of Incident Alzheimer Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Community-Dwelling Older Persons. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/210648
- Does Having a Sense of Purpose Prevent Alzheimer Disease? https://geripal.org/does-having-sense-of-purpose-prevent/
- Having Greater Purpose in Life Associated with a Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100301165619.htm
- Beneficial Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive-Behavioral Impairments and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Alteration in the Limbic System Induced by Neurodegeneration. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556524001815
- 6 Ways to Prepare for Elderly Loneliness. https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/6-ways-to-prepare-for-elderly-loneliness/
- 3 Health Benefits of Volunteering. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
- Data Shows Racial Disparities in Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis between Black and White Research Study Participants. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/data-shows-racial-disparities-alzheimers-disease-diagnosis-between-black-and-white-research
