Aging and Meaning in Life: Examining the Concept

“…Alternatively, it has been argued that autonomy in relationships is within reach of all individuals, through a dynamic process of engagement. Older people largely respond to ageing with positive values (Parfit, 1991;Moore et al, 2000), and in the context of collective perspectives and lived experiences their unique and individual coping and behaviours are mediated (Anderson & Stevens,1993;Forbes & Hoffart, 1998;Backman & Hentinen, 2001;Leighton, 2004). Socio-economic contexts that serve to reinforce the autonomy of the older person include living in the community (Steiner et al, 1996) and sufficient personal finances (Forbes & Hoffart, 1998).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nurse–patient encounters in the hospital ward, from the perspectives of older persons: an analysis using the Authentic Consciousness Framework

Mitchell

McCance²

2012

Int J Older People Nursing

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“…Positive associations between meaningin-life and psychological well-being have been found across the lifespan, including adolescence [41], emerging adulthood [42], midlife, and older adulthood [40,43]. The experience of meaningin-life seems fundamental to humans [1,2,44] and is of significance in health and well-being particularly in later years [45][46][47]. Studies have shown significant correlations between meaningin-life and physical health measured by lower mortality for all causes of death; meaning is correlated with less cardiovascular disease, less hypertension, better immune function, less depression, and better coping and recovery from illness [48][49][50][51][52][53].…”

Section: Meaning-in-life and (Mental) Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Meaning-in-Life: A Vital Salutogenic Resource for Health

Haugan

Dezutter

2021

Health Promotion in Health Care – Vital Theories and Research

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Based on evidence and theory, we state that facilitating and supporting people’s meaning-making processes are health promoting. Hence, meaning-in-life is a salutogenic concept.Authors from various disciplines such as nursing, medicine, psychology, philosophy, religion, and arts argue that the human search for meaning is a primary force in life and one of the most fundamental challenges an individual faces. Research demonstrates that meaning is of great importance for mental as well as physical well-being and crucial for health and quality of life. Studies have shown significant correlations between meaning-in-life and physical health measured by lower mortality for all causes of death; meaning is correlated with less cardiovascular disease, less hypertension, better immune function, less depression, and better coping and recovery from illness. Studies have shown that cancer patients who experience a high degree of meaning have a greater ability to tolerate bodily ailments than those who do not find meaning-in-life. Those who, despite pain and fatigue, experience meaning report better quality-of-life than those with low meaning. Hence, if the individual finds meaning despite illness, ailments, and imminent death, well-being, health, and quality-of-life will increase in the current situation. However, when affected by illness and reduced functionality, finding meaning-in-life might prove more difficult. A will to search for meaning is required, as well as health professionals who help patients and their families not only to cope with illness and suffering but also to find meaning amid these experiences. Accordingly, meaning-in-life is considered a vital salutogenic resource and concept.The psychiatrist Viktor Emil Frankl’s theory of “Will to Meaning” forms the basis for modern health science research on meaning; Frankl’s premise was that man has enough to live by, but too little to live for. According to Frankl, logotherapy ventures into the spiritual dimension of human life. The Greek word “logos” means not only meaning but also spirit. However, Frankl highlighted that in a logotherapeutic context, spirituality is not primarily about religiosity—although religiosity can be a part of it—but refers to a specific human dimension that makes us human. Frankl based his theory on three concepts: meaning, freedom to choose and suffering, stating that the latter has no point. People should not look for an inherent meaning in the negative events happening to them, or in their suffering, because the meaning is not there. The meaning is in the attitude people choose while suffering from illness, crises, etc.

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Aging and Meaning in Life: Examining the Concept

Cited by 16 publications

References 3 publications

Meaning‐in‐life in nursing‐home patients: a valuable approach for enhancing psychological and physical well‐being?

Meaning‐in‐life in nursing‐home patients: a valuable approach for enhancing psychological and physical well‐being?

Nurse–patient encounters in the hospital ward, from the perspectives of older persons: an analysis using the Authentic Consciousness Framework

Meaning-in-Life: A Vital Salutogenic Resource for Health

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