Association of ikigai with expected and preferred longevity

Abstract Aim A lack of research exists focusing on the association of ikigai (having meaning and purpose in life) with expected and preferred longevity. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the association of ikigai with expected and preferred longevity in Germany. Subject and methods We used data from a quota-based survey (adult population in Germany, n = 2591), ensuring representation in terms of gender, age, and federal state. The Ikigai-9-G was used to measure ikigai levels. Expected and preferred longevity served as outcome measures. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regressions were performed. Interaction terms were included (ikigai × gender and ikigai × age). Results Even after adjusting for various sociodemographic, lifestyle-related, and health-related covariates, regressions revealed that higher ikigai levels were associated with higher expected longevity (β = .24, p < .001) and higher preferred longevity (β = .35, p < .001). The interaction terms (ikigai × gender; ikigai × age) did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion This study is the first to examine the relationship between ikigai and expected and desired life expectancy. In this respect, it lays an important foundation for future work in this research field.