Time perspective of older adults: research and clinical practice

Abstract

Time perspective was investigated in 103 women and men aged 65 to 91 in relation to their well-being, distress and attachment style. Unlike prior research that frequently reduced time perspective to a single time orientation (e.g., future), or to a single temporal dimension (e.g., extension – projection into the future or past), my study investigated all three time orientations, past, present and future and along multiple dimensions (density, emotional valence, extension, time continuity, and temporal balance). The fi ndings revealed that positive functioning in late life was associated with several “healthy” components of time perspective: positive attitudes toward the present and past, a sense of connection among time orientations and a balanced perception of positive aspects of one’s past, present, and future. Time perspective psychotherapy developed based on the concepts and fi ndings of my research and the Zimbardo temporal model emphasizes the notion of balanced temporality in clinical work. The review of clinical strategies demonstrates how a time perspective approach can be integrated with cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic interventions, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment. Clinical cases have demonstrated the alleviation of symptoms of psychological distress and enhancement of successful aging.