Ikigai: The secret to feeling alive at any age

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Joyful Life

Hi Reader

In Okinawa, one of the original Blue Zones where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives, there’s no word for “retirement.” Instead, they live by a beautiful concept called ikigai — your reason for being, or simply, the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning.

It’s not just about work, or purpose in a grand, world-saving sense. It’s about finding meaning in your daily life — whether that's walking your dog, growing tomatoes, helping your neighbour, learning something new, or being the best nan, friend, or partner you can be.

And here’s what I find most comforting: Your ikigai can change with time.

If you’re in your 40s, 50s or beyond and feeling unsure of your next chapter — you’re not alone. Many people feel a bit adrift as the roles they’ve played (worker, caregiver, homemaker) begin to shift or fade. But rather than see this as a loss, I see it as an invitation.

An invitation to rediscover what lights you up.

​

How ikigai works

Ikigai sits at the intersection of four things:

1. What you love
2. What you’re good at
3. What the world needs
4. What you can be paid for (though this one is optional — not all ikigai is about income)

For example, your ikigai might be mentoring younger colleagues, volunteering, creating beautiful things, teaching your grandchild to bake, or simply being a kind presence in someone’s life.

It doesn’t have to be big or impressive.
It just has to matter to you.

Why this matters for ageing well

Studies have shown that having a strong sense of purpose can:

• Add years to your life
• Reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia
• Help protect against depression and anxiety
• Boost resilience during illness or stress

In short — purpose is powerful medicine.

And here’s the good news: You don’t need to find one perfect thing. You can build purpose into your day with small but meaningful acts. That might be walking your neighbour’s dog, growing herbs on your windowsill, or finally signing up for that painting class.

The key is to stay curious, connected, and open to what this chapter of your life wants to become.

​

​

What’s your ikigai right now? Don’t worry about perfect answers. Just let your thoughts drift. You might be surprised at what bubbles up. ​

I invite you to take 10 minutes this week to sit quietly and reflect. Ask yourself: What did I love doing as a child? What have people always come to me for? When do I feel most alive, present or useful? If money weren’t a factor, what would I do more of? What am I drawn to now, in this season of life? ​ ​

Your life has many chapters — this one can be golden

I work with so many people in midlife and beyond who worry it’s “too late” to start something new. But in cultures where people live the longest, there’s no expiry date on meaning.

You are allowed to grow. To shift direction. To try new things.
In fact, your body, brain and spirit thrive on it.

Whether you’re in a season of change, seeking more fulfilment, or just feeling a little lost — know this: your purpose didn’t disappear. It might just be evolving.

And it’s never too late to ask: What now?

Let’s explore this together

If this message speaks to you, and you’d like to explore what living with more purpose, energy and direction might look like — that’s exactly what I help people do.

My 1:1 coaching is designed to support people over 40 who want to eat well, move more, and age with vitality andmeaning.
Because it’s not just about adding years to your life — it’s about adding life to your years.

If you’re curious, just reply to this email or click the link below and I’ll send you details about a free Health Discovery Call — no pressure, just a friendly chat to help you clarify what you want next.

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this:

Wishing you a week full of tiny joys and quiet purpose,
Rebecca x

​