‘I Keep Myself Busy. I Choose What I Do.’ Sense of Purpose in Long-Term Care

Despite the varied positive outcomes associated with sense of purpose across the life span, older adults residing in long-term care settings tend to report lower levels of purpose than those living within the community. Literature specific to purpose in non-community settings is also limited. This study explored the experience of purpose from the perspective of older adults living in four Australian residential aged care services. Through analysis of data obtained through 20 semi-structured interviews, four themes of purpose emerged. A sense of purpose was realized through: a drive for life; routine, activities, and autonomy; social interaction and relationships; and faith and spirituality. Whilst scope of purposeful activity may be more constrained, opportunities to pursue purpose endure in this setting. The outcomes of this study contribute to contemporary understanding of the fulfillment of purpose in long-term care settings which may in turn inform efforts supporting its maintenance and promotion amongst this group.