When we think about brain health — especially as we age — we often focus on diet, exercise, and medical care. While these are all important, another part of the equation is just as vital: having a sense of purpose and staying meaningfully connected to others.

As a physician who works with older adults, I’ve come to believe that purpose and connection are as essential to healthy aging as any medication or therapy. They give life structure, joy, and resilience — and growing research supports their role in preserving both cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Purpose gives us a reason to get up in the morning. It doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. It might come from caring for a loved one, volunteering, tending a garden, or simply being present for a friend. What matters is that it feels meaningful to the person living it.

Connection reminds us that we’re not alone. Strong relationships — whether with friends, family, or the wider community — reduce stress, lift mood, and keep the mind engaged. We’re wired to be social, and when that need is met, the brain responds.

What’s powerful is how purpose and connection reinforce one another. When we feel needed, we feel purposeful. When we’re connected, we’re more likely to take care of ourselves, stay engaged, and keep learning — all of which support long-term brain health.

I’ve seen this play out in my own family. My parents are now in their 80s. After retiring from their careers, they each went through a period of transition. But over time, they found new rhythms — volunteering, investing, spending time with their grandchildren, and staying active in their community. I’ve noticed how much more vibrant and mentally sharp they are when they’re engaged in something meaningful or surrounded by people they care about. It’s not about staying busy — it’s about staying connected to what matters.

Of course, purpose changes as life changes. Illness, retirement, or the loss of a spouse can leave someone feeling unsettled or adrift. But even during these times, it’s possible to rediscover meaning — often in small, unexpected ways. A walk with a neighbor. A phone call. Helping someone feel seen or heard.

In memory care settings, I’ve seen residents who struggle with language light up when they feel useful — whether it’s helping set the table, watering a plant, or being asked for their opinion. These moments of connection create meaning. And meaning fuels vitality.

As a society, we need to rethink how we approach aging. The later years of life are not just about decline — they can be a time of reflection, contribution, and continued growth. When families and communities create space for older adults to connect and participate, everyone benefits.

If you or someone you love is feeling disconnected, start small. Share a story. Send a note. Invite someone on a walk or to sit in the garden. Purpose and connection don’t require a plan — they just require presence.

Because in the end, what keeps our brains — and our hearts — healthy isn’t just what we do, but who we do it with, and why.

Dr. Raj Kalra is a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. He is the founder of Aroha Memory Care by MD Senior Wellness, a wellness-centered memory care community currently under construction in Santa Rosa, with completion expected later this year. Aroha is designed to support seniors in a warm, person centered environment through compassionate, evidence-based care rooted in lifestyle medicine, wellness, and meaningful connection.

The waitlist opened on July 1, 2025. Learn more at www.arohamemorycare.com.