Aging With Purpose: Systematic Search and Review of Literature Pertaining to Older Adults and Purpose

Abstract

Purpose can provide a sense of intentionality, guide behavior to achieve personal aims and living objectives, and may offer insight into how and why certain people remain healthy over time. A review of the literature sought to identify contemporary research pertaining to purpose and older adults. Thirty-one studies were selected for evaluation based on inclusion criteria. Research outcomes suggest that greater reported purpose is related to a range of better health and well-being outcomes for older adults. With few exceptions, the literature demonstrates that purpose declines with age. Nevertheless, the potential to experience purpose persists across the life span, by providing opportunities for older adults to continue contributing roles, participate in meaningful activities, and sustain their social value and sense of relevance. Further research could explore how purpose is experienced by the oldest-old age-group, those living within noncommunity settings, and people with age-related cognitive impairment such as dementia.

Conceptualizing similarities and differences between purpose in life and self‐affirmation

“…In one study, purpose in life was linked with more optimal recovery for adults who had undergone knee replacement surgery and buffered against physical strain (Smith & Zautra, 2004). Research also indicates that for older adults, purpose is associated with increased movement (Irving, Davis, & Collier, 2017).…”

Healthy ageing in the far North: perspectives and prescriptions

“…Participants in the current study reported having a purpose as an important part of healthy ageing; this is a concept well-supported in previous research. Purpose is a psychological construct associated with well-being in older adults [43]. Having purpose-in-life (PIL) is associated with a feeling of meaning and relevance.…”

Meaning in life and the experience of older people

“…Perhaps, with older people, in a situation where, objectively speaking, a long personal future is no longer to be expected, the need for purpose may thus also be satisfied by fondly looking back on what was achieved and experienced in life much earlier (Erikson 1997). This may partially counteract the loss of purpose which is often found in older persons (Irving et al 2017).…”