What do late adults strive to find as they reflect on their lives?

Late adults often engage in a process of reflection on their lives, seeking to find meaning and fulfillment. This stage of life is commonly characterized by a reevaluation of one's achievements, relationships, and contributions to society. It is during this reflective phase that individuals strive to understand the significance of their experiences, leading them to seek answers to existential questions about their life purpose, legacy, and the overall impact they have had on others.

In this context, a focus on meaning and fulfillment encompasses looking back at personal milestones, relationships with family and friends, and achieving personal goals. This introspection can lead to greater contentment and inner peace as they reconcile their past with their current state. Such contemplation is crucial for emotional and psychological well-being, as it helps individuals find satisfaction in their life's journey and prepare for the later stages of life.

Other options like relationship stability, career success, and autonomy can be important at different life stages, but during late adulthood, the predominance of seeking meaning and fulfillment becomes particularly significant as individuals look back and evaluate their life's narrative.