Self-Transcendence and Activities of Daily Living

Abstract

The number of older adults in our population is steadily increasing. Many older adults continue to remain active and care for themselves. However, differences exist in older adults’ ability to perform activities of daily living. The purpose of the study was to explore relationships among self-transcendence (ST), health status (SHS), and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) in noninstitutionalized older adults. The 88 participants were primarily widowed, White women, 65 years of age and older (M = 73.4), who perceived their health positively, and had 12 years or more of education. Findings included statistically significant relationships between ST and ADL and SHS and ADL. Twenty-two percent of the variance in ability to perform ADL was explained by SHS, and an additional 6% was explained by ST. Nurses are encouraged to explore factors that contribute to older adults’ ability to remain independent.