Understanding Age Differences in Well-Being: Pathways From Present Time Orientation to Mindfulness and Savoring the Moment

Abstract

Well-being has been shown to improve with age, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. We tested a conceptual model that posited that age-related increases in present time orientation foster greater dispositional mindfulness and savoring the moment, and that these psychological processes are pathways that link older age to better well-being. U.S. adults (N = 797, M age = 45.57 years, SD = 15.07, range: 20–88) completed an online, self-report survey of their present time perspective, dispositional mindfulness, savoring the moment, and hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Using structural equation modeling, our conceptual model was a good fit to the data. Older age was associated with greater present time orientation, which was associated with both greater mindfulness and savoring the moment, and ultimately related to greater eudaimonic and hedonic well-being. Mindfulness and savoring interventions may be beneficial for promoting present moment orientation, and subsequently, better well-being. However, longitudinal studies are needed to establish temporal associations.

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