Association Between Purpose in Life and Objective Measures of Physical Function in Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Higher purpose in life is hypothesized to reduce the likelihood of developing weak grip strength and slow walking speed because purpose has been linked with a range of positive health behaviors and biological processes that are potentially protective against declining physical function. However, the association between purpose in life and objective physical function has not been examined.

Objective

To assess whether higher purpose in life among adequately functioning older adults is associated with lower risk of developing weak grip strength and slow walking speed over time.

Design, setting, and participants

Data for a longitudinal cohort study were collected in 2006 and again in 2010 from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study o

SUBMITTER: Kim ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5710461 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature