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This presentation will discuss the role of social connections, activities and rituals in creating meaning for older adults throughout the lifespan and in times of transition. The MIT AgeLab Lifestyle Leaders are a well-educated and active group that knows how to combat loneliness by being actively involved in the community and finding activities and peers with whom to socialize. Researchers will present findings from three panel studies related to romantic relationships and friendships among the Lifestyle Leaders as well as different activities that bring meaning, structure and a sense of identity to their lives. Communication technologies are indispensable to them as ways to remain connected to their loved ones. Learning and helping others was among the most mentioned current sources of meaning and purpose, while “doing what you love” grew as a prioritized source of meaning as participants have aged.

Physical well-being is crucial for older adults to maintain their independence and age successfully. This presentation will share results on several dimensions of physical well-being among the MIT AgeLab Lifestyle Leaders. First, the presentation will discuss behaviors related to, perceived benefits of, and barriers to exercise and physical fitness for the oldest old and will explore how their exercise behaviors have changed over time. While most believed physical activity provides extensive benefits and self-identified as regular exercisers, they also identified many barriers. Potential solutions identified by the Lifestyle Leaders, including wearable technology, will be discussed. Second, the presentation will examine changes in vision and hearing the Lifestyle Leaders have experienced, how these changes have affected them, and their reactions to technologies that might mitigate losses in vision and hearing. Changes in vision primarily affected mobility-related activities and functional abilities, whereas changes in hearing affected interpersonal communication and sense of belonging.