The Meaningfulness of Life in Old Age and Socio-psychological Adaptation of Forced Migrants

Introduction. The article explores the relationship of life-meaning orientations, reflexivity in old age with psychological, socio-cultural adaptation, as well as its productivity. The features of the life-purpose orientations and reflexivity of forced migrants of old age, characterized by the successful course of the adaptation process, are described. The author defines the significant role of the meaningfulness of life in old age to ensure the success of socio-psychological adaptation of forced migrants. Materials and methods. Socio-psychological adaptation studied using the following instruments: the "Short Scale of Psychological Adjustment" and the "Short Scale of Socio-Cultural Adjustment" by K. Demes, N. Girard, adapted by K. A. Ooki and I. V. Vachkov; the questionnaire "Personality Adjustment to a New Socio-Cultural Environment" by L. V. Yankovsky. The meaningfulness of life was diagnosed using the questionnaire "Life-purpose orientations" by D. A. Leontiev and the methodology "Determining the level of reflexivity" by V. V. Ponomareva. The study involved 51 elderly forced persons (aged 60 to 74 years) living in temporary accommodation facilities in the Belgorod region. Results. It has been established that reflexivity and life-purpose orientations are associated with the success of socio-psychological adaptation of forced migrants. Psychological adaptation in old age is determined by the reflexivity of one's activities in general and the retrospective reflection of one's past. Sociocultural adaptation is more related to the meaningfulness of life and the internal locus of control. The productivity of adaptation is related to the idea of meaning and goals in life. Reflexivity in the context of socio-cultural adaptation and its productivity can be considered as an internal mechanism that ensures the search for new meanings. Discussion and conclusion. In old age, meaningfulness of life becomes a crucial factor for a productive life, providing a basis for planning for the future and accepting the events of the past. Successful adaptation of forced migrants is characterized by a focus on reflective analysis of one's activities, the presence of goals and meaning of life that are localized in the future.