The predicament of time near the end of life: Time perspective trajectories of life satisfaction among the old-old.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated time perspective in old-old age as embodied in trajectories of life satisfaction ratings that individuals attribute to their past, present, and anticipated future. We hypothesized that these trajectories represent diverse strategies of coping with old age.

METHOD

The sample was composed of 164 participants (mean age 91.9, SD = 4.3) who survived the third wave of a national longitudinal study in Israel. The findings indicated four groups; three with distinctive trajectories of life satisfaction - equilibrated, descending, and no-future, along with an unreported trajectory group.

RESULTS

The equilibrated trajectory group exhibited the highest functioning on central markers of adaptation (indicating depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and physical performance). The descending and the no-future trajectories were found to be moderately effective strategies. The unreported trajectory presented the lowest level of functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings revealed the adaptive roles of time-related perspective on life in old-old people. This perspective reflects a variety of rudimentary trajectories that constitute a time-based module of well-being along the continuum of one's life story. The study suggests that the diverse trajectories relate to essential domains of functioning. Practitioners and therapists may profit from assessing the time perspective of the old-old and directing it into more adaptive trajectories.