Reciprocal associations between sense of purpose and subjective well-being in old age

Sense of purpose is seen as a catalyst for successful ageing, predicting wide range health outcomes and mortality. However, its role in fostering subjective well-being during old age has received less attention, especially the bidirectional nature this relationship. The present study examined how sense predicts predicted by life stage. Panel data from Health Retirement Study ( N = 8980) were used, spanning three measurement occasions across eight years. Four indicators (life satisfaction, depression, positive- negative affect) modelled with using (random-intercept) cross-lagged panel models to disentangle within-from between-person associations. We found moderate strong correlated change some evidence directional associations between constructs. Purpose changes all four markers, these generally stronger than effects on purpose. Within-person subsequent satisfaction positive affect, but not affect depression. In sum, associated higher age, efforts maintain or increase older adults' may only improve components well-being.