Having purpose in life may help buffer the impact of physical, psychological, and social changes that accompany aging. Determining the best way to promote purpose will depend on understanding how seniors define and experience purpose and meaning in life. Qualitative data collected from seniors living in New York City and quantitative data collected from seniors living in New York, NY, Rochester, NY, and St. Louis, MO, will explore the definitions of purpose, variables that promote purpose, and variables that function as barriers to purpose. Considerations for people with cognitive impairment will be highlighted. Results suggest that purpose is inherently experienced through activity and often driven by social connection. Opportunities to experience purpose often depend on one’s environment and its ability to support and promote the engagement of seniors. The growing role of the environment in facilitating the experience of purpose will also be discussed.
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