An Exploratory Study: ASSESSING THE MEANING IN LIFE AMONG OLDER ADULT CLIENTS

Abstract

Meaning in life has been intimately linked to health, but it has not been explored in an elderly population. The factors that elderly people perceive as being meaningful must be identified, as well as the extent to which they experience fulfillment of meaning in their lives. The majority of study participants indicated that relationships give meaning to their lives; however, nurses must individually assess clients regarding what is most meaningful to them. Clients without meaning or low levels of meaning need to be identified. As nurses become more aware of what is meaningful to older people, they can plan and carry out interventions based on interaction to support or improve areas meaningful to the older person.