Meaning in life in elderly. Stage of human personality development

Abstract

Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl is among the first researchers of the meaning of life. His studies demonstrate the importance of living a meaningful life (Frankl, 1963). Meaning in life has become an important psychological concept in the research of emotional balance throughout life and decisive for the feeling of a fulfilled life in old age. Michael F. Steger's research shows that people who have a meaning in life, sense, and purpose generally feel happier and more satisfied daily, less depressed, anxious, and less likely to engage in risky behaviors. The six-factor model of psychological well-being is a theory developed by Carol Ryff (Carol Ryff, 1989). The meaning of life is studied according to age, age dynamics. The stages of development highlighted by Erik Erikson attach special importance to the meaning given to life lived in the developmental stage suggestively called "Integrity vs. Despair". Theories on aging highlight the terms "salutogenesis” and “pathogenesis”(Antonovsky, 1979) that imply different perspectives on life. Theories agree that meaning in life is an important concept in the ontogenesis of the human personality, necessary for the general well-being of the individual (Carol Ryff) being reflected in the state of physical health and the present emotional disposition (status). What is important, as a conclusion, is that all psychological factors are involved in the meaning of this life. To the extent that man has a meaning, his entire psychic structure participates in its realization. The current study highlights the changes that occur in the personality of the individual in old age and the psychological mechanisms with an adaptive role in this regard.