Examining Life Goals of Community-Dwelling, Low-Income Older Adults

Abstract

Self-care and self-management programs are touted as a means to age successfully. Yet, these programs pay little regard to a critical first step-the personal goals of older adults. The capacity to self-identify goals and pursue actions toward goal achievement transcends age. An examination of life goals identified by community-dwelling, low-income older adults indicates that functional performance mechanisms are valued. Maintenance of health and increased physical activity were the two most commonly identified personal goals within a sample of 161 community-dwelling older adults residing in subsidized housing. A third goal, increased socialization, aligns with relevant psychosocial factors and reflects the need to engage with others. The preferences of the older adult placed at the center of the care planning process strategically support goal attainment. Providing an opportunity to create and pursue self-selected life goals of older adults is worth consideration when developing and testing interventions designed to support successful aging. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(5):205-214.].

Figure 1

Theory of Successful Aging (adapted for use from Topaz, et al., 2014)

Figure 2

Vitality Plan – Major Life Goals

Figure 3

Life Goals for Males and Females

Figure 4

Life Goals by Age Group