Leading a purposeful life, one directed by personal goals that provide self-understanding and self-definition, appears to promote health and well-being across the lifespan. The current chapter considers this point by first discussing what is meant by having a purpose, or sense of purpose in life. Next, we review the large literature pointing to the health benefits associated with a greater sense of purpose. Subsequently, we consider potential mechanistic pathways that help explain why these effects may occur. Finally, future research directions are discussed with a focus on considering whether the specific purpose one reports differentially impacts health, as well as the potential for healthy lifestyle choices to become a source of direction in life.