Semantic-cultural validation and internal consistency analysis of the Purpose in Life Scale for brazilian older adults

Abstract

Purpose in life is one of the six dimensions of psychological well-being. It refers to the sense that life has meaning and direction, and that goals have been achieved or are attainable.Objective:To perform the semantic-cultural validation and internal consistency analysis of the 10-item Purpose in Life scale of Ryff and Keyes.Methods:Data were drawn from an eight-year follow-up of older adults aged ≥80 in the FIBRA Study, conducted in Campinas, Brazil.Results:The mean age of participants (N=187) was 83.81 (±3.60), mean number of years of education was 4.38 (±3.76), and mean income was 3.49 minimum wages (±2.61), comprising 125 (66.8%) females (mean purpose = 3.51 ±0.68) and 62 (33.2%) males (mean purpose = 3.58±0.60). There was no significant difference in the purpose between men and women or between educational levels. For age and income, purpose was higher in the 80- to 84-year-old group (younger age) and with income of 3-5 minimum wages (higher income). Cronbach’s alpha for the scale was 0.628, indicating moderate internal consistency.Conclusion:The Purpose in Life scale was translated, adapted for use in Brazil and applied in a sample of old-old adults. Purpose seemed to be influenced by age and income.

Purpose in Life and Physical Activities in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: a Cross-Sectional Study

“…The main findings suggest that there was no gender difference in purpose in life among older adults , corroborating the findings of several other investigations. 1,13,14,27 On the other hand, one previous investigation found that women had lower scores of purpose in life compared to men, and that, after 5 years, older women (but not older men) had experienced a significant decline in scores. 11 In our sample, the oldest participants (age ≥ 80 years) presented lower purpose-in-life scores, which is in line with previous investigations.…”

“…One possible explanation for this finding might be related to a reduction in positive feelings, coping strategies, or even the lack of a social support network as people get older, which, in turn, may lead to older adults becoming more isolated. 1,28 Another important aspect is that, as people get older, they tend to feel their time is running short, preventing them from making big plans for the future, which might reduce their purpose-in-life scores. 1 Among our participants, purpose in life was higher for those with higher income (more than three times the current minimum wage), which is in line with a recent investigation conducted with Brazilian older adults.…”

“…1,28 Another important aspect is that, as people get older, they tend to feel their time is running short, preventing them from making big plans for the future, which might reduce their purpose-in-life scores. 1 Among our participants, purpose in life was higher for those with higher income (more than three times the current minimum wage), which is in line with a recent investigation conducted with Brazilian older adults. 1 This may be related to the fact that people in a better financial situation may set more ambitious goals.…”

“…11 The final score is given by the average of the answers to the 10 items (sum/10), which can range from 1 to 5. 1 The participants' level of physical activity was evaluated using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). This instrument is composed of seven open-ended questions, which allow estimation of the time spent per week in different dimensions of physical activity (moderate and vigorous walking and physical exertion) and physical inactivity (sitting position).…”

“…The aging process entails several physical, social, and psychological changes that can interfere with older adults' health and quality of life. 1 These alterations may lead to the development of different chronic diseases, which, in turn, are associated with financial, social, and personal burdens. 2 Regarding psychological changes, previous studies have shown that mental conditions such as depression and anxiety have a negative impact on some health outcomes, including stroke, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction.…”