Attitude to the meaning of life and life satisfaction of elderly and senile people

Abstract

The subject of the study is the attitude of the personality of elderly and senile people to the meaning of life and life satisfaction. The methodological basis of the study is the biopsychosocial approach, as a fundamental research model in medicine and medical psychology. Changes in the lives of older people are associated with retirement, changes in social status, loss of professional, interpersonal connections and financial stability, the presence of health problems, which leads to changes in values and meanings of life, and sometimes to maladaptation, which makes it relevant to study the characteristics of individual relationships old people. The purpose of the study is to identify the characteristics of the personality of elderly and senile people to the meaning of life and life satisfaction and to indicate the direction of psychological assistance. Scientific novelty of the study: empirical data were obtained on significant differences in the life-meaning orientations of elderly and senile people. The study was focused on studying the life-meaning orientations, life satisfaction, cognitive functions and emotional state of elderly and senile people. When analyzing the relationships between indicators, it was revealed that the meaningfulness of life of older people is associated with the consistency of achieving goals, which leads to positive self-esteem and satisfaction with life itself. Representatives of old age, due to physical and cognitive decline, distance themselves from activity in society, while maintaining satisfaction with life. The focus of psychological assistance programs requires a differentiated approach when working with elderly and senile people. Along with the correction of cognitive functions and the formation of new hobbies, it is important to include classes to develop communication skills among representatives of the older group. The results obtained can be used by specialists in medical and social institutions.