Active-constructive responses during tea-sharing and existential meaning in later life

Existential meaning is crucial for older adults to foster their well-being. Although sharing tea may relate positively to existential meaning, the relationship between sharing tea and existential meaning in later life remains underexplored. To address this research gap, we examined how perceived active-constructive (AC) responses and activity attachment correlate with existential meaning within the context of tea-sharing. A total of 350 older adults completed an in-person survey measuring perceived AC responses, activity attachment, and existential meaning. Using structural equation modeling, we found that perceived AC responses and activity attachment correlated positively with existential meaning. Perceived AC responses also demonstrated a positive indirect correlation with existential meaning through activity attachment. Our findings extend capitalization theory by showing how positive responses and meaningful engagement with tea-sharing connect to existential meaning in later life. These findings simultaneously provide preliminary evidence suggesting that future research aimed at supporting older adults in experiencing existential meaning could explore psychoeducational activities focused on: (a) encouraging the sharing of positive life events, and (b) developing activity attachment.