Exploring the life-affirming impact of wish-granting for older adults
Examining how meaningful experiences can enhance well-being, connection, and purpose for older adults
Catherine Tong and Linda Sheiban Taucar, Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation
About Chartwell Wish of a Lifetime
Chartwell Wish of a Lifetime grants wishes for older adults across Canada, creating meaningful experiences that support happiness, well-being, and quality of life.
The challenge
While wish-granting programs are well established for children and other groups, little research exists on their impact on older adults. Chartwell Wish of a Lifetime sought to better understand the deeper and longer-term effects of these experiences on recipients.
Approach
- Conducted in-depth interviews with wish recipients and program staff across four provinces
- Explored the impact of wish experiences on well-being, relationships, and sense of purpose
- Analyzed participant perspectives using qualitative research methods
- Developed knowledge mobilization resources to share findings with stakeholders
Results
- Documented the positive impact of wish-granting experiences on older adults
- Produced a summary report for the partner organization and stakeholders
- Created a knowledge translation video to broaden awareness of the findings
- Presented the research at the Canadian Association on Gerontology conference
- Established a foundation for future scholarly publication and research collaboration
Why it matters
This research challenges ageist assumptions by highlighting the importance of joy, purpose, and meaningful experiences later in life. The findings help:
- Demonstrate the value of wish-granting programs for older adults
- Support fundraising and stakeholder engagement efforts
- Advance understanding of well-being and quality of life in later years
- Contribute new knowledge to the field of gerontological research
- Encourage more positive and inclusive perspectives on aging