Why finding purpose doesn’t mean changing the world

When we hear the word "purpose," it often sounds big. Too big. Like something that belongs to people who are climbing mountains or launching charities. But for most people, purpose is much quieter. And that’s normal.

In retirement, this pressure to "make the most of it" can backfire. It’s easy to feel like if you’re not volunteering loads or starting a new business, you’re falling short. But purpose doesn’t have to mean reinventing society. It can mean creating a rhythm that brings you joy. Being available for the people you care about. Learning something new, even just for yourself.

In fact, research published by the Stanford Center on Longevity found that the retirees who report the highest wellbeing aren’t necessarily the busiest or most outwardly ambitious. They’re the ones who feel like their days align with their values. Purpose, it turns out, is deeply personal—and deeply individual.

But what does it look like in practice?

For David, a 72-year-old widower in Kent, purpose is walking his neighbour’s dog every morning and chatting with the postman. For Caroline, 66, it’s helping organise weekly lunches at her local church. For some, it’s mentoring younger colleagues part-time. For others, it’s growing vegetables, writing family memoirs, or helping their grandchildren with school pickups. None of these things are revolutionary, but they feel meaningful. And that’s the point.

One retiree we spoke to said, “I used to think purpose had to look impressive. Now I think it just needs to feel like me.”

Retirement gives you the rare opportunity to strip away expectations and re-evaluate what actually matters to you—without the noise. If you’ve always wanted to travel more mindfully, support a local cause, learn a new skill, revisit an hobby, or spend uninterrupted time with loved ones, now is your chance. But it’s just as valuable to rest, reset, and rediscover your energy before you dive into anything new.

At LivOn, we’ve learned that people thrive when they stop chasing an abstract idea of purpose and instead follow the small signals of what feels energising, satisfying, or simply worth doing. Our app is designed to support that self-discovery—whether through reflective prompts, curated content, or connections with like-minded people navigating the same questions.

The invitation here isn’t to make your retirement matter to everyone. It’s to make it matter to you. And sometimes, the smallest shifts—getting up for a walk, joining a local group, saying yes to something that scares you a little—can bring the most meaningful results.