Abstract :
The purposes of this study were to describe the level of hope and to identify predictor variables associated with hope in adults over the age of 65 years. Using a descriptive correlational design, noninstitutionalized individuals (N = 169; 67.5% female) ages 65 to 94 years (M = 75.4) were surveyed. Results showed a moderately high level of hope, suggesting that participants perceived a future that is good. A caring, health-promotion philosophy of practice, rather than an institutional philosophy of cure and treatment, may more actively support and enhance clientsʹ hope. Social support, religious well-being, and health emerged as significant predictor variables in this study. Nursing interventions may influence these variables and, thus, enhance hope among noninstitutionalized elderly
