Abstract
Presence of meaning in life is an important component of eudemonic wellbeing while aging. While subjective health and interpersonal relationships are among important sources of meaning for older adults, less research has explored the gender differences in the potential contribution of these sources to the presence of meaning in late life. The current study aims to examine the associations of frailty dimensions (daily activities, health problems, and psychosocial functioning) and social support with the presence of meaning in late life, and whether these associations differ for older men and women. The study employs the data from the 65+ and Safe Study – a cross-sectional survey of residents of senior apartments. The data were collected in 2019 in a mid-sized Swedish municipality (N=618; age range from 64 to 106years, 60.5% female). Results showed significant associations of health problems, psychosocial functioning, and social support with the presence of meaning in life. Further, the results demonstrated no statistically significant gender differences in the associations between frailty dimensions, social support, and presence of meaning. However, since the interaction between health problems and gender approached statistical significance, this association was further explored indicating a more detrimental role of health problems in relation to the presence of meaning in life among older men than among older women. Overall, the study highlights the importance of physical and psychosocial health and social support for the presence of meaning in life among older adults and warrants further research on possible gender differences in the relation between health problems and meaning in late life.
Highlights
Maintaining meaning in life is an important part of eudemonic wellbeing for older adults (Steptoe et al, 2015; Steverink, 2019)
The current study aimed to investigate whether frailty dimensions and social support were associated with the presence of meaning in advanced age
The current study examined the role of frailty dimensions and social support in the presence of meaning of older adults – residents of senior apartments
Summary
Maintaining meaning in life is an important part of eudemonic wellbeing for older adults (Steptoe et al, 2015; Steverink, 2019). Considering frequent losses and challenges that often accompany the aging process (Kuin and Westerhof, 2017), it is especially important to understand the role of factors hindering or maintaining meaning in life into old age. Such understanding is important for identifying those at most risk for meaninglessness while aging and improving the targeting of meaning enhancing interventions (e.g., Westerhof et al, 2004). In light of the developmental tasks of aging related to developing an integrative and transcending view over one’s whole life, such meaningfulness is especially important in late life (Krause, 2012)
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