Dimensions of Meaningful Aging

Starting from Roy Baumeister’s theory, the present author has developed a theory of a meaningful life involving seven needs for meaning: needs for purpose, moral worth, self-worth, control, coherence, connectedness, and excitement. More than Baumeister’s theory this one strikes a balance between agency and communion. After outlining the theory, the seven meaning dimensions are elaborated on in relation to aging. Concepts are clarified, results of (mostly recent) empirical research are reviewed, and many questions will be raised. The relation between the seven components and the relation between meaning and well-being is discussed. Finally, a plea is made for interdisciplinary collaboration between social sciences, history, and philosophy (especially ethics and social philosophy).