Meaning of Life and Meaning of Death in Successful Aging

Abstract

During the past decade, the author have consistently emphasized the importance of meeting the existential and spiritual needs of seniors. He have proposed that personal meaning is the hidden dimension of successful aging, because having a positive meaning and purpose in life will not only add years to one’s life, but also add life to one’s years. One’s health and life satisfaction importantly depends on whether this existential need is met. The main thesis of the present paper is that discovery/creation of meaning through inner and spiritual resources is a promising way of transcending personal losses and despair in old age. Thus, the challenge of successful aging is to discover positive meanings of life and death even when one’s physical health is failing. The untold story of successful aging is about positive attitudes towards life and death, about the spiritual and existential quest, and about personal growth in wisdom and spirituality.

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