Abstract
Engaging in meaningful activity is an important contributor to well-being in late life. This study aimed to develop a new measure of meaningful and enjoyable activities in people living with mild dementia. The study consisted of four phases: (a) a review of measures of meaningful activity in older people; (b) interviews with people with dementia and their carers (n = 32), (c) expert opinion; and (d) feasibility testing in a pilot randomised controlled trial (n = 63). The development process resulted in a 20-item questionnaire. The Meaningful and Enjoyable Activities Scale (MEAS) evidenced appropriate levels of internal consistency (α = .79). Higher scores correlated with higher functional independence (r = -.605, P < .001), patient (r = .330, P = .010) and carer-rated patient quality of life (r = .505, P < .001). Multiple regression analyses showed that functional independence made a significant independent contribution in predicting higher levels of meaningful activity (F[7,45] = 6.75, P < .001, R2 = .512; β = -.444, P = .001). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a revised three-factor 9-item model provided good fit for the data (X2 = 22.74, P = .54, GFI = 0.93, RMSE = 0.00), with leisure-time physical activity, social engagement and mentally stimulating activities as the key dimensions. Our study provides support for the construct of meaningful activity in people with mild dementia. Although we find preliminary evidence that the MEAS has adequate psychometric properties, future large scale studies are required to test its validity further and responsiveness to change.
Highlights
In line with contemporary theories of adult development, meaningful activities, defined as those that provide emotional, creative and intellectual stimulation,1 are associated with higher levels of wellbeing and quality of life throughout an individual's life span.2 Psychological theories of ageing argue that engaging in meaningful and purposeful activity becomes more important as individuals age, representing an important psychological need.3 According to models of continuity4 and the selection, optimisation andInt J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020;35:944–952
We report on the development and preliminary validation of a new scale to measure meaningful and enjoyable activities in people with mild dementia
Our results provide support for the validity of the construct of meaningful activity in people with mild dementia
Summary
In line with contemporary theories of adult development, meaningful activities, defined as those that provide emotional, creative and intellectual stimulation, are associated with higher levels of wellbeing and quality of life throughout an individual's life span. Psychological theories of ageing argue that engaging in meaningful and purposeful activity becomes more important as individuals age, representing an important psychological need. According to models of continuity and the selection, optimisation andInt J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020;35:944–952. Compensation framework, older people maximise their health and quality of life through selecting and investing in highly valued activities, with the continuation of these central to maintaining positive psychological well-being.. Accumulating evidence from longitudinal studies shows that engagement with hobbies and purposeful activity extends longevity, and healthy life expectancy in older people, reducing incidence of disability and chronic health conditions.. Accumulating evidence from longitudinal studies shows that engagement with hobbies and purposeful activity extends longevity, and healthy life expectancy in older people, reducing incidence of disability and chronic health conditions.11,12 Despite both evidence and theory highlighting the important role of meaningful activity for maintaining psychological wellbeing in late life, evidence base for older people experiencing cognitive impairment remains limited. This study aimed to develop a new measure of meaningful and enjoyable activities in people living with mild dementia. We find preliminary evidence that the MEAS has adequate psychometric properties, future large scale studies are required to test its validity further and responsiveness to change
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