Self-transcendence, health status, and selected demographic variables as determinants of the ability to perform activities of daily living in non-institutionalized older adults

This study used a descriptive, correlational design to determine the relationship of self-transcendence (STS), health status (HS), and selected demographic variables (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, income, education, social network, and religious/spiritual beliefs) to the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) in non-institutionalized adults. The majority of the 88 subjects were widowed white women 65 years of age and older (M = 73.4) who viewed their health positively, were fairly well educated, and valued their religious/spiritual beliefs. Findings included significant relationships between ST and ADL (r =.39, p =.001, n = 88), HS and ADL (r =.47, p =.001, n = 88), and ST and HS (r =.37, p =.001, n = 88). Twenty-two percent of the variance in ability to perform ADL was explained by health status. Health status and self-transcendence together explained 28% of the variance. The 6 percent increment was statistically significant (Fchange = 6.65, p.012). Nurses are encouraged to continue to explore factors that contribute to older persons' ability to remain independent.