Existential Needs of Older Adults: Meaning in Life, Religiosity, Generativity and Inner Peace

This monograph addresses the existential needs of older adults. The research was inspired by the work of Prof. Arndt Büssing. The study is both theoretical and empirical in nature. The theoretical categories (meaning in life, religiosity/spirituality, generativity and inner peace) were examined in the empirical section in relation to quality of life and life satisfaction among older adults, using a survey method and a questionnaire entitled "Our Needs". This questionnaire, developed by Prof. Arndt Büssing, includes: a spiritual needs test; the BMLSS-10 satisfaction test; an anxiety/fear test; the UCLA Loneliness Scale; and the WHO 5-point Well-being Index. The study was conducted among 1,003 older adults aged 50 to 95 living in southern Poland. The analysis revealed that older adults in southern Poland exhibit high levels of religious and generative needs. To date, this issue has not been comprehensively addressed in Poland using standardized research tools.