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Purpose in Life in Older Adults: A Systematic Review on Conceptualization, Measures, and Determinants

Author

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  • PV AshaRani

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Damien Lai

    (Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • JingXuan Koh

    (Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Clinical Sciences Building, Singapore 308207, Singapore)

  • Mythily Subramaniam

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore
    Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

Abstract

Purpose in life (PIL) is a psychological construct that reflects one’s life goals and the desire or determination to pursue them. Having a purpose provides an intrinsic motivation to adopt healthy behaviors as we age, which will help us to achieve positive health outcomes. Thus, promoting PIL is the cornerstone for successful aging and better health outcomes. This systematic review aims to identify how PIL is conceptualized, measured in the existing literature and what are the determinants of PIL in older adults (≥65 years). Electronic searches were conducted in five databases (Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science). A total of 44 studies were included in the review. PIL was conceptualized in six different ways: health and well-being, meaningful goals and purpose, inner strength, social relationships, mattering to others, and spirituality and religiousness. There were six main questionnaires and semi structured interviews used to capture PIL. Female gender, higher education and income, being married, ethnicity, health and well-being, inner strength, social integration and spirituality were associated with PIL. Majority of the included studies had low to moderate Risk of Bias (RoB) assuring confidence in the results. The conceptual frameworks of PIL identified in the review underscore the complexity of the construct. Several sociodemographic and other determinants of PIL were identified.

Suggested Citation

  • PV AshaRani & Damien Lai & JingXuan Koh & Mythily Subramaniam, 2022. "Purpose in Life in Older Adults: A Systematic Review on Conceptualization, Measures, and Determinants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-25, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:10:p:5860-:d:813435
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emily A. Greenfield & Nadine F. Marks, 2004. "Formal Volunteering as a Protective Factor for Older Adults' Psychological Well-Being," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 59(5), pages 258-264.
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    4. Neal Krause, 2009. "Meaning in Life and Mortality," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 64(4), pages 517-527.
    5. Lisa Hartling & Ricardo M Fernandes & Jennifer Seida & Ben Vandermeer & Donna M Dryden, 2012. "From the Trenches: A Cross-Sectional Study Applying the GRADE Tool in Systematic Reviews of Healthcare Interventions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(4), pages 1-7, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohsen Joshanloo & Ana Blasco-Belled, 2023. "Reciprocal Associations between Depressive Symptoms, Life Satisfaction, and Eudaimonic Well-Being in Older Adults over a 16-Year Period," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Anabela Coelho & Manuel Lopes & Marta Barata & Sofia Sousa & Margarida Goes & Florbela Bia & Ana Dias & Ana João & Leonel Lusquinhos & Henrique Oliveira & Tânia Gaspar, 2023. "Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence the Purpose in Life among Working Adults and Retirees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-14, April.
    3. Louis Fang & Alfred Allan & Joanne M. Dickson, 2024. "Purpose in Life and Associated Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(6), pages 1-22, August.
    4. Maryam Bakhshandeh Bavarsad & Christine Stephens, 2024. "Social network type contributes to purpose in life among older people, mediated by social support," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-12, December.

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