title: Factors contributing to hope among noninstitutionalized elderly.
abstract: The purposes of this study were to describe the level of hope and to identify predictor variables associated with hope in adults over the age of 65 years. Using a descriptive correlational design, noninstitutionalized individuals (N = 169; 67.5% female) ages 65 to 94 years (M = 75.4) were surveyed. Results showed a moderately high level of hope, suggesting that participants perceived a future that is good. A caring, health-promotion philosophy of practice, rather than an institutional philosophy of cure and treatment, may more actively support and enhance clients' hope. Social support, religious well-being, and health emerged as significant predictor variables in this study. Nursing interventions may influence these variables and, thus, enhance hope among noninstitutionalized elderly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Systems, School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire 54702, USA.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Zorn
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009013:Morale; D011581:Psychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors