Re-Examining the Morale—

Existing research is inconsistent in identifying the importance of various factors to morale in old age. The research reported here reexamined factors related to morale in a six-year panel study of 206 married, community dwelling men and women aged 50 years and older. Of interest was the relationship among morale, leisure activity and perceived and functional health; and, if and how the relationships among these factors differed by gender and changed over time. Results indicated that while morale was maintained over time for both men and women, levels of functional and perceived health and leisure activity involvement declined. Further, correlates of morale varied by gender and changed over time. These findings are discussed in light of existing research and implications for practitioners are identified.