ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses three frequent threats to well-being in late life – loneliness, a feeling of mattering less, and a loss of purpose. Loneliness is quite common in old-old age because the old-old person often has outlived many of the people that have been part of their life. As a result, they are likely to feel isolated, less “known”, believe they matter less compared to the past, and at times, lack a sense of purpose that motivates them to want to continue to live. Techniques clinicians can use to assist people in articulating what they feel is now missing are described as is the importance of encouraging people to be active and seek membership in groups.
