Factors Associated with Purpose in Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Kaohsiung and Taitung, Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Evidence on factors associated with purpose in life (PIL) among older adults in Taiwan remains limited. This study examined the variation in PIL and its demographic, relational, socioeconomic, health-related, and religious correlates among older adults in the community recruited in two districts of Taiwan (Kaohsiung and Taitung). (2) Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 294 adults ≥65 years of age recruited by convenience sampling from community day care centers and community centers in Kaohsiung and Taitung; no probability sampling frame was used. Participants completed the 20-item purpose-in-life test and questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and perceived health. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyzes were performed. The multivariate model adjusted for the recruitment district, and the p values for seven predictor domains were adjusted using the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) procedure. (3) Results: The mean age was 72.9 years; 56.8% were women. Using conventional PIL categories, 82.0% had low PIL and 18.0% had moderate PIL; none had high PIL. Older age was associated with a lower PIL (adjusted B = <0.28/year, 95% CI: <0.42 to <0.14). Marital status was associated with PIL overall (global p = 0.0066); never-married participants had lower PIL than those with a spouse (adjusted B = 4.74, 95% CI: 8.52 to 0.96). Faith/religious belief was associated with a lower PIL (adjusted B = 3.01, 95% CI 5.25 to 0.78). Age, marital status, and faith/religious belief remained significant after the FDR correction (FDR-adjusted p < 0.001, 0.020, and 0.020, respectively). (4) Conclusions: In this two-district convenience sample, older age, marital status, and faith/religious belief were associated with PIL, and older age was the only correlate consistent across all sensitivity analyzes. Because the design was cross-sectional and the sample was not population-based, these associations should not be interpreted causally or as nationally representative, but they indicate that demographic, relational, and religious contexts warrant attention when purpose in life is studied in later life.

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