title: Wisdom at the End of Life: An Analysis of Mediating and Moderating Relations Between Wisdom and Subjective Well-Being.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Several studies have shown that wisdom, measured as an integration of cognitive, reflective, and compassionate dimensions, is positively related to subjective well-being in old age. This study investigated whether wisdom might be particularly beneficial for people at the end of life, when extrinsic means to increase well-being largely disappear, and whether the association between wisdom and well-being is mediated by mastery and purpose in life.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples of 156 older community residents (M = 71 years) and 41 older hospice patients and nursing home residents (M = 77 years) were analyzed, using a moderated and mediated path model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  (a) Wisdom was positively related to subjective well-being in the later years, even after controlling for physical health, socioeconomic status, financial situation, social involvement, age, gender, race, and marital status. (b) The association between wisdom and well-being was significantly stronger in the nursing home and hospice sample than the community sample. (c) The relation between wisdom and well-being was partially mediated by purpose in life, both directly and via a sense of mastery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aging well at the end of life might depend to a larger extent on psychosocial growth across the life course than on present circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, Gainesville. ardelt@ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ardelt
authors.affiliation: Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA.
authors.forename: Carladenise A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010684:Philosophy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Aging well; End of life; Mastery; Purpose in life; Subjective well-being; Wisdom