Factors contributing to hope among noninstitutionalized elderly

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