Does flexible goal adjustment predict life satisfaction in older adults? A six-year longitudinal study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between flexible goal adjustment and life satisfaction (as an enduring component of subjective well-being) using six-year longitudinal data from a sample of older adults.


METHODS
The study included 704 participants aged 63-97 years assessed four times over a six-year period. Simultaneous and lagged models were specified and estimated using structural equation modeling.


RESULTS
Both simultaneous and lagged coefficients indicated that a high score on flexible goal adjustment significantly predicted subsequent levels of life satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
In line with successful aging theory, our findings support the view that the ability to adjust personal goals flexibly is a central resource when unattainable goals are encountered and it contributes to well-being in old age.
a Department of Psychology , University François Rabelais , Tours , France.
Nathalie
N
Bailly
Kamel
K
Gana
Catherine
C
Hervé
Michèle
M
Joulain
Daniel
D
Alaphilippe
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
aging; flexible goal adjustment; life satisfaction; longitudinal study