As we get older and we start to contemplate the last few years of our working life, and our children grow up and leave home, we can wonder what comes next. How do we find meaning in our life when our old roles have ended?

This is where ikigai – and the quest for purpose – comes in. Let’s help you find your ikigai.

What is ikigai?

The concept of ikigai originates from two Japanese words: iki (life) and gai (worth or value). Together, they describe the feeling of having something that makes life worthwhile. 

Ikigai is having a sense of purpose and fulfilment derived from the intersection of four elements: 

1. What you love
2. What you are good at
3. What the world needs
4. What you can be paid for

And while we often associate it with professional fulfilment today, the original Japanese concept emphasises finding joy and meaning in everyday life, relationships, and simple activities – not just your work. 

Why ikigai matters just as much as you get older

When we are small, a common question we’re asked is, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ There’s an expectation that we will have ideas and ambitions; that there’s an element of choice in our decisions about how we spend our time and what we do. 

But as we get older, we can find ourselves taking jobs because we need the money, as opposed to being driven by any sense of passion. And we can sacrifice dreams and interests for lots of different reasons – we fall in love, they’re not fashionable or we can’t find anyone to join us, we don’t think we are good enough, or we no longer have enough time when we have children. 

Given all of this, it’s not uncommon to find yourself at a bit of a loss when you start winding down from work… and realise you have no idea how to fill your time. 

We know that having purpose is important for longevity. One study found that people with the strongest sense of purpose lowered their risk of death by 15.2% compared to those with the least sense of purpose. 

So how can you pick up your dreams and passions again, and give your life more meaning and fun?

Rediscover your identity and value

One of the biggest challenges we face as we get older, is how to redefine our identity beyond our work or family roles. 

Think about it: when we talk about work, we don’t say “I teach” we say, “I am a teacher”. Or “I am a mum of two”. What we do isn’t just a physical action, its is part of our identity. So what happens when you retire or your children grow up and leave home? How can you find a new identity for yourself?

Ikigai invites you to look both inward and outward: 

• Inwardly, it asks: What lights you up? What gives you energy? Which activities make you lose track of time?
• Outwardly, it asks: Where can these passions intersect with the needs of others, perhaps through mentoring, volunteering, or sharing wisdom?

For example, a retired nurse might find ikigai in running health workshops at a community centre, blending their expertise with the desire to serve. An entrepreneur might volunteer to help young people start their own business, connecting with new people while using decades of knowledge and experience. 

Of course, you don’t have to simply translate what you used to do at work into a volunteering role. Maybe you worked in an office your entire career, but dreamed of working outside. You might decide to do a horticultural course and work part time as gardener – or just tend to your own garden or allotment. 

The essence of ikigai is not tied to productivity in the traditional sense, but to connection, contribution, and meaning.

Find the joy in simple pleasures

There’s a common misconception that ikigai must be big and important – a calling or meaningful life ambition. However in reality, ikigai often hides in simple pleasures, such as: 

• Morning walks where you connect with nature
• Spending time with family and friends
• Creative outlets like painting, pottery, or writing
• Quite time completing jigsaws or baking
• Belonging to local groups with a shared interest

Each activity may be small, but collectively they weave a life that is rich in purpose. Ikigai teaches us that significance isn’t measured in scale but in sincerity.

Sis steps to help you finding your ikigai 

Discovering your ikigai is less about following a formula and more about exploration. Here are six practical steps help you:

1. Find what brings you joy: Make a list of activities or memories that bring you happiness and look for patterns—are they social, creative, physical, or contemplative?
2. Identify your strengths: Even if you no longer use your professional skills at work, your talents and experience remain. Are you a good listener? A natural organiser? A patient teacher? These gifts can still enrich others’ lives outside your job.
3. Look for connection with others: Purpose grows and is more fun when it’s shared. So look for community groups, volunteer opportunities, or friends who share your passions and interests, or opportunities to use them to help others. 
4. Keep learning: A big part of ikigai is remaining curious.  Take up a new hobby, language, or technology. Learning keeps your mind engaged and young, and can open up unexpected doors.
5. Nurture your health: The healthier you are, the more energy you’ll have to pursue activities you love – and the more activities will be open to you. So keep active, eat well and generally be proactive about caring for your health.
6. Be open and flexible: Ikigai can evolve, and what feels meaningful at 55 may shift by 65. So stay open to new possibilities as your circumstances and interests change.

Overcome any barriers

You may well encounter doubts or obstacles in your search for Ikigai. Perhaps you secretly worry you’re too old or inexperienced to find new passions or explore new directions. Maybe other people don’t believe you have the right or ability to pursue an interest. 

But ikigai is not reserved for the young or exceptionally talented. Everyone has the capacity and right to contribute and to find meaning, regardless of age or limitations. You don’t have to become a world champion – it’s just about doing things you love. 

If you are facing health challenges, you may find ikigai in building resilience, offering emotional support to your loved ones, or finding peace in spiritual or contemplative practices. And if you are lonely, seeking out even small connections such as a phone call, a shared meal, or a walk with someone, can rekindle a sense of belonging.

Pursuing ikigai is not about perfection or constant happiness, it is about living in a way that feels aligned with your deepest values, even in the face of difficulties.

Make this the best of your life

Too often today society celebrates youth and productivity. Ikigai is a refreshing counterpoint to this. It reminds us that our later life does’t have to be a slow decline; instead it can be a season rich with possibility – a time when our life opens up with new interests, learning and possibilities. 

By embracing ikigai, we can move past the question What do I do now? to a deeper one: What makes this life worth living? By finding the answer to this question you may just find that the next few decades are the very best of your life.