The March, 2010, issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry contains research that reveals significant correlations between the attitudes of aging individuals and the quality of life they experience. Those who say that they have a high degree of purpose have less chance of developing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.
Dementia is one of the most frightening potential outcomes of aging. In that context, these are very important research findings. Any time we can identify a factor that contributes to Alzheimer's disease and can be reduced, reducing that factor becomes a major concern for older individuals, those who care for them, and the entire society. When we take this research in the context of our rapidly expanding older population we can sense the urgent need to change factors that are available to improve the aging process. A strong sense of purpose clearly seems to be a major factor.
For purposes of this study, purpose in life was defined as "the l tendency to get meaning from the experiences of life and to have a sense of mindfulness and goal-orientation that directs one's behavior." A significant irony arises from this definition. In recent years, American society has associated aging with declining health, being immobile and smaller economic output. That is, we see old people as expensive to maintain but bringing little economic productivity to the equation. Since we tend to view the economic value of individuals as very important, we have a negative view of aging.
This conventional view of aging would be unfortunate even if it was true. In human history, most societies have revered elders for what they have provided to society during the course of their lives, and for their wisdom. The greater costs and lower productivity of older persons is considered a normal part of the generational process.
Moreover, to a large degree the perception of older persons as economic liabilities is based on outdated facts, especially in North America. In truth, the aging population is healthier and potentially more productive than in the past. nonetheless, as the study shows, many of the advantages of communication, information, and medical technology will be lost to our elderly because they will not seek them out.
Because today's elderly folks experienced the irony of low expectations, they are not likely to seek out a greater purpose for their lives. This prevents individuals and society from experiencing the health benefits that come from positive attitudes toward aging. This will no doubt change over a few decades. The reality of a healthier and happier senior population will eventually impact their expectations. However, until then it will be up to those of us who can see their potential more clearly to encourage them to adopt some of the same goals for their older years that they did when they were young. Improved mental, physical and spiritual health will richly reward our entire society.
| About Author Darrell McAlister : |
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Darrel McAlister has been an American educator for the past 35 years. He has served schools at every level from Kindergarten through university. He was a college administrator for the last 25 years of his career, and has recently begun an encore career in writing. He contributes frequently to Going Strong Seniors, http://www.going-strong-seniors.com and Senior Memory Source, http://www.seniormemorysource.com .
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Article Added on Saturday, August 28, 2010
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