Making Sense of Usefulness: An Avenue toward Satisfaction in Later Life

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Abstract
Studies of later life assert that sense of usefulness impacts life satisfaction. This study determines what impacts sense of usefulness. The sample consists of 108 older adults, ages sixty through ninety, who were involved with community organizations. The research instrument was a forty-five-item questionnaire. Findings identify five correlates of sense of usefulness: continuity in respect from younger ages ( p < .01), involvement with family ( p < .05), involvement with a significant other ( p < .01), involvement with community ( p < .01), and meeting one's expectations for old age ( p < .01). “Continuity in respect,” “meeting one's expectations,” and “sense of usefulness” combine into a scale that correlates with satisfaction in later life ( p < .001). Results contribute to theoretical understanding of later life development and suggest directions for work with the aging client system.

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