Having sense of purpose in life can help you live longer

A new study has revealed that having a sense of purpose in life as one gets older can help them live a longer and healthier life.

According to the study, keeping fit, eating well and avoiding smoking are all vital too, the Daily Express reported.

The researchers found that having a meaning and -purpose in life - whether it is helping others or having an absorbing hobby - are just as important for long-term and people with the greatest sense of wellbeing after the age of 65 are almost a third less likely to die in the next eight and a half years.

Professor Andrew Steptoe said that a healthy lifestyle is important, as are relationships with family and friends and finding things to do that give a sense of purpose is also important.

The study was published in The Lancet as part of a special series on ageing.