Better Later Than Never: Meaning in Late Life

The quest for meaning in life takes on new challenges and directions during late life. This mini-review draws on prior theory to analyze meaningfulness into six discrete dimensions (purpose, value, efficacy, self-worth, mattering, and comprehension) and covers research into how these apply and opera...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in psychology 2021-07, Vol.12, p.693116-693116
Main Authors: Pachana, Nancy A., Baumeister, Roy F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
aging
late life
mattering
meaning
Psychology
purpose
value
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Summary:The quest for meaning in life takes on new challenges and directions during late life. This mini-review draws on prior theory to analyze meaningfulness into six discrete dimensions (purpose, value, efficacy, self-worth, mattering, and comprehension) and covers research into how these apply and operate specifically during late life. Limited remaining time, concern with one's legacy, concerns with self-continuity and integration, variable challenges to self-worth, and prioritization of positivity emerge as key themes.
ISSN:1664-1078
1664-1078
DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.693116