Effects of Wisdom on Mental Health in Old Age: Exploring the Pathways Through Developmental Tasks Attainment and Self-Rated Health

PURPOSE: A number of studies indicate a relationship between wisdom and mental health in older adults, which can be explained by different pathways. However, the role of developmental task accomplishment, and of self-rated health in the relationships between wisdom and mental health in later life remain unclear. The aim of the current study is to explore the structure of the relationships between wisdom, developmental task attainment, self-rated health, and positive and negative mental health outcomes (viz. wellbeing and depressive symptoms) in older adults. METHODS: The study included 381 Polish older adults aged 60–86 (M= 67.33; SD = 5.08). The respondents completed the Personal Wellbeing Index, Geriatric Depression Scale, Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale, Developmental Tasks Attainment Questionnaire for Seniors, self-rated health scale and sociodemographic survey. RESULTS: Three-dimensional wisdom, developmental task attainment and self-rated health scores were positive predictors of personal wellbeing and negative predictors of depressive symptoms in older adults. Structural equation modelling revealed that developmental tasks attainment and self-rated health partially mediated the relations between wisdom and mental health in older adults. CONCLUSION: It can be assumed that wise older adults implement developmental tasks more efficiently and assess their subjective health more favorably, which may strengthen their personal wellbeing and prevent depression. The findings suggest that wisdom plays an important role in healthy aging.