Purpose in Later Life: The Role of Subjective Aging

Purpose in life (PIL) is a core dimension of eudaimonic well-being, yet the developmental factors that shape purpose in later life remain understudied. Guided by Stereotype Embodiment Theory, this study examined whether two indicators of subjective aging were associated with PIL after accounting for covariates. Data came from 150 racially and ethnically diverse community-dwelling U.S. adults aged 65+. PIL was assessed with a Ryff-based scale; subjective aging with a single-item felt age measure and the Attitudes Toward Own Aging (ATOA) scale. Hierarchical ordinary least squares regressions adjusted for education, financial strain, religiosity, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms. Both felt age and ATOA were independently associated with PIL, and the final model explained 50% of the variance (R² = .50, p < .001). Higher education, greater religiosity, and fewer depressive symptoms were also associated with greater PIL. Findings highlight subjective aging indicators as meaningful psychological correlates of purpose and well-being in later life.