Shirley Musich|Shaohung S. Wang|Sandra Kraemer|Kevin Hawkins|Ellen Wicker
Purpose in Life and Positive Health Outcomes Among Older Adults
Optum (United States)|Optum (United States)|Optum (United States)|AARP
purpose life pil conceptualized goals sense direction feeling meaning present past life pil associated positive health outcomes among older adults including fewer chronic conditions less disability reduced mortality purpose study estimate prevalence pil among aarp medicare supplement insureds identify associated characteristics measure impact selected health outcomes 2016 surveys sent random stratified sample pil measured using 7item scale 5 responses scores averaged across responses categorized pil levels low medium high survey responses weighted adjust nonresponse bias weight nationally representative population multivariate regression models adjusting confounding covariates utilized determine characteristics associated pil levels impact health care utilization expenditures preventive services compliance quality life qol among weighted survey respondents n 15680 low medium high pil levels 242 211 547 respectively strongest characteristics medium high pil included social support resilience reliance faith high health literacy good health status individuals medium high pil significantly lower health care utilization expenditures increased preventive services compliance higher qol pil strongly associated improved mental physical health outcomes among older adults thus interventions improve andor maintain higher levels pil time may promote successful aging